IOM ANNUAL FUND
THE COMMUNICATION IMPERATIVE

Though bombarded by an increasing volume of often-conflicting information, the public often lacks the authoritative knowledge required to make educated decisions on personal and societal health care issues. The Institute of Medicine believes it has an obligation to address this problem, by disseminating the knowledge it gathers in its definitive study reports as broadly and effectively as possible.

This obligation also grows from the ongoing evolution of the IOM’s mission: more than simply responding to questions presented by federal policy makers, the Institute seeks to be proactive and help shape the nation’s changing healthcare landscape. To accomplish that goal, the IOM must use its collective knowledge, skill, and expertise to maximum effect -- thus making a well conceived and creatively managed communication initiative an imperative.

For communications to be successful, messages must be delivered to the right audiences in a timely, effective manner. Communication strategies and products must be developed with an appreciation of the diversity of the audience and the varied ways individuals take in and process information.

To help achieve those communications goals, the Institute sought guidance from a special Committee on Dissemination and Impact, chaired by Dr. Floyd Bloom. It then created an Office of Reports and Communications to develop and coordinate dissemination strategies; identify target audiences and appropriate communication vehicles; and explore new options for communicating information in study reports. The resulting communications program is multifaceted, involving an array of dissemination vehicles, such as:

The following pages feature some of the most recent communication products developed from IOM study reports, targeting specific audiences.

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>Home
>The Communication Imperative
>Information for Women about the Safety of Silicone Breast Implants
>Ending Neglect: The Elimination of Tuberculosis in the United States
>Marijuana As Medicine? The Science Beyond the Controversy
>Approaching Death: Improving Care at the End of Life
>State Programs Can Reduce Tobacco Use
>Mammography and Beyond: Technologies for Early Detection of Breast Cancer
>Looking Ahead

For more information about any of the programs mentioned in these pages -- or about the Annual Fund in general -- please contact us at giving@nationalacadmies.org or 202.334.2431.