The Public Sphere in Emerging Infectious Disease Communication: Recipient or Active and Vocal Partner?

Anat Gesser-Edelsburg, Yaffa Shir-Raz, Nathan Walter, Emilio Mordini, Dimitris Dimitriou, James J. James, Manfred S. Green

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: Recent years have seen advances in theories and models of risk and crisis communication, with a focus on emerging epidemic infection. Nevertheless, information flow remains unilateral in many countries and does not take into account the public's polyvocality and the fact that its opinions and knowledge often "compete" with those of health authorities. This article addresses the challenges organizations face in communicating with the public sphere. Methods: Our theoretical approach is conceptualized through a framework that focuses on the public sphere and that builds upon existing guidelines and studies in the context of health and pandemics. We examine how health organizations cope with the public's transformation from recipients to an active and vocal entity, ie, how and to what extent health organizations address the public's anxiety and concerns arising in the social media during outbreaks. Results: Although international organizations have aspired to relate to the public as a partner, this article identifies notable gaps. Conclusions: Organizations must involve the public throughout the crisis and conduct dialogues free of prejudices, paternalism, and preconceptions. Thereby, they can impart precise and updated information reflecting uncertainty and considering cultural differences to build trust and facilitate cooperation with the public sphere. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)447-458
Number of pages12
JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness
Volume9
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 23 Apr 2015

Keywords

  • communication framework
  • emerging infectious disease
  • outbreak communication
  • public sphere
  • risk and crisis communication

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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