Risk Communication for Public Health Emergencies

Abstract

This review defines crisis risk communication, traces its origins to a number of applied fields, and then shows how basic principles have become incorporated into emergency preparedness and risk communication for public health. Literature from four different disciplines that inform crisis risk communications are reviewed. These are (a) environmental risk communication, (b) disaster management, (c) health promotion and communication, and (d ) media and communication studies. Current curricula and training materials are briefly reviewed. Although this literature review suggests much progress has been made to incorporate and disseminate crisis risk communication principles into public health practice, and case studies suggest that public health workers have gained skills and experience, this emerging field still lacks in-depth evaluation of the effectiveness of event-specific crisis risk communication efforts. 33

Risk/Benefit Communication about Food—A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…Peoples' risk perceptions should be taken into account when developing an effective risk communication strategy (Kirk et al, 2002) including whether the potential hazard is perceived to be artificial or naturally occurring in origin (Rozin et al, 2004), and whether it has been accidentally or deliberately introduced into the food chain. Whether a risk is presented in an "acute" or "chronic" context is also relevant when considering the communication process, (Glik, 2007), as is the issue of whether, and how, to communicate uncertainties associated with risk estimates where these exist (Frewer, 2003). Consumer and/or citizen trust in information provided (Berg, 2004;Savadori et al, 2007), as well as the regulatory framework put into place to protect consumers (van Kleef et al, 2006), and the transparency of internal decision-making processes, may also be influential, and should be included in the development of efficacious information where relevant.…”

New Influenza A/H1N1 (“Swine Flu”): information needs of airport passengers and staff

“…It was hoped that this would enable and encourage travellers to protect themselves and to prevent the spread of infection by promoting the uptake of hygiene measures such as hand washing and tissue use. In the absence of specific prophylaxis, using communication to increase hygiene behaviours may be the most effective strategy to interrupt the chain of infection among members of the public 3 , 4 . At the same, providing airport passengers and staff with relevant information about the outbreak might also be expected to reduce levels of concern, 5 by reducing levels of uncertainty about the nature, prevention or treatment of swine flu 6 …”

Public Health in the UK Media

“…Regardless of whether the information is transmitted via television (Piotrowski andArmstrong, 1998, Spence et al, 2007), radio (Cretikos et al, 2008), email or mobile phone (Hayden et al, 2007), it is imperative that the advice is timely, accurate, clear and delivered by a trustworthy source (Glik, 2007). Failure to fulfil these criteria will result in a lack of public comprehension of the advice, which ultimately increases confusion and anxiety, reduces compliance levels and can risk public health and safety (Glik, 2007).…”