A proper health communication is crucial, especially when facing a major emergency like an infectious disease outbreaks. Improving communication effectiveness is a big challenge for those working in public healthcare and was also one of the main topics discussed during the TELL ME Conference, Bridging Theory And Practice For Effective Communications During Infectious Disease Crises, which was held in Venice, on December 4th and 5th.
TELL ME is a 36-month Collaborative Project, which aims to provide evidence and to develop models for improved risk communication during infectious disease crises. TELL ME combines public health, social sciences, behavioural sciences, political sciences, law, ethics, communication and media, in order to develop original communication strategies regarding complicated messages and advice based on uncertainties, also addressing vaccine-resistant groups.
Here is a list of the TELL ME deliverables that have strong implications with the ASSET aims and purposes:
Experience from the past taught us a lot about managing and communicating infectious threats. Indeed, the A(H1N1) 2009 influenza pandemic revealed a breakdown in the communication between decision makers, scientific institutions and the public. The milder than expected evolution of the A(H1N1) 2009 pandemic, notably, seemed to be a proof that the declaration of an emergency “had been drive” by economic interests. Many studies show that this event caused a loss of trust in health authorities and underestimate risks related to epidemics.
1) forge a partnership with complementary perspectives, knowledge and experiences to address effectively scientific and societal challenges raised by pandemics and associated crisis management
2) explore and map SiS-related issues in global pandemics
3) define and test a participatory and inclusive strategy to succeed
4) identify necessary resources to make sustainable the action after the project completion.
