Improving Communication Between Journalists and Public Health Officials During Disasters
Author Information
Author(s): Lowrey Wilson, Williams Evans, Karla K Gower, Jennifer A Robinson, Peter M Ginter, Lisa C McCormick, Maziar Abdolrasulnia
Primary Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Hypothesis
What are the key challenges and solutions for effective communication between journalists and public health officials during disasters?
Conclusion
The study suggests that improving coordination and understanding between public information officers and journalists can enhance the dissemination of accurate information during disasters.
Supporting Evidence
- Public health officials and journalists play crucial roles in disseminating information during disasters.
- Many journalists feel unprepared to cover health-related emergencies due to a lack of training.
- The advisory group developed 15 recommendations to improve communication between journalists and public health officials.
Takeaway
Journalists and public health officials need to work better together to share important information during emergencies, like natural disasters or terrorist attacks.
Methodology
The study involved interviews with 26 expert advisors from various fields related to journalism and public health, followed by a consensus meeting.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from the advisors' backgrounds and experiences may influence the identified problems and solutions.
Limitations
The study may not capture all perspectives due to the limited number of advisors and the specific focus on certain types of disasters.
Participant Demographics
The advisory group included journalists, public information officers, and experts in health communication.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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