Book Review: Covering Health Issues: A Sourcebook for Journalists

Book Review: Covering Health Issues: A Sourcebook for Journalists

Although health, which is wealth, permeates all facets of human life, basic information and knowledge about it, even in an advanced state like America, remains obscure, complex and confusing.

Most often, the average person is at a loss as to what the health challenges are. This partly emanates from the lack of adequate education, information and interpretation. Additionally, there is a paucity of resources. In a bid to rectify this situation, the Alliance for Health reform published Covering Health Issues-A Source Book for Journalists.

Topics

According to the authors, "Almost every story can be a health care story. Whether a reporter is covering a labor dispute, the local economy, personal bankruptcy, local politics or early childhood well-being, health care can nearly always be part of the picture."

The 12-chapter book highlights a wide array of topics beginning with the essence of the health coverage. Specific topics discussed include: health reform, health care cost, care quality, employer-sponsored health coverage, individual health coverage, children's health coverage, Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, disparities, mental health, substance abuse and public health. It also consists of two appendices - polls on health care issues and covering health issues for TV and radio. A glossary consisting of acronyms and terms, along with sources which specific sources and addresses, is just phenomenal.

Strength

A major strength of the book is that it provides a unique resource in a field where there is a paucity of ideas and information. Second, the book is well organized and the topics covered are not only basic but crucial to the current debate. Third, the use of charts, diagrams, illustrations, examples is just outstanding. Fourth, it attempts to define basic terms which most people do not understand, such as Socialized Medicine, Universal Health Coverage, Medicare and Medicaid. Fifth, it provides extensive story ideas, bibliographies, end notes and other explorable sources. Sixth, the use of subtitles, simple language, bullets and above tips for reporters make it a good reference book. Seventh, the fast facts are a gold mine. Eighth, the glossary and expert lists is a formidable asset and ninth. The book, for all intents and purposes, is a treasure trove for all interested in the subject. Moreover, the howto chapter on covering health issues for TV and radio is splendid. It is well-done and provides great examples.

Limitations

Like most studies, there is always scope for improvement. Although the book is a great start, and in many respects the current health care reform deserves exceptional praise, it is crucial to at least delve into the past. As the saying goes, if the present quarrels with the past, then there is no hope for the future. A focus on the history will shed more light on why the Obama administration's bold and brave attempt is a major and commendable revolution. The chapter on radio and television is excellent. The question which arises is where are the sections for newspapers, magazines, films and above all the evolving new media, the Internet? Where is the chapter on social media in an era when it dominates the landscape? Although we live in the age of convergence, when all the media seem to come together, there are still subtle differences and techniques which deserve significant highlights. Chapter one needs a second look. Sections need to be added and others, rewritten. It needs to be revamped to provide a setting for the book.

Conclusion

Covering Health Care is an excellent text policy makers, health workers, media instructors and practitioners can tap into. Written in simple, clear and penchant style, with vivid explanations, it stands out as a significant contribution to the emerging discipline. Based on provisions of the Affordable Health Care, it provides basic concepts which are indispensable in understanding, reporting and covering health issues. The definition of terms, elaboration and above all story ideas, experts and websites for leading health policy topics makes it a classic. Please use the great book. It is a vital, crucial and invaluable resource.

[Author Affiliation]

By Dr. Jerry K. Domatob

JA Contributing Writer