Setting the Stage Session 1: Risk Management Transparency

Two cases of unusual, serious illness in children Symptoms consistent with flesh eating disease BUT its different, no obvious sign of infection or exposure, patients not responding to antibiotics Boys go to same school, families know each other Lab analysis just started Fear: illness could be infectious Two competing risk communication strategies: 1 -- immediate communication 2 -- wait until lab analysis complete What do we know?

Any and all staff who had contact with the two boys must be immediately informed of the potential risk A.Agree B.Disagree

What is the best approach to notifying stakeholders? A.School administrators should be notified discretely B.The broader community should be notified through the media

Any public communication should include the names of the two victims A.Agree B.Disagree

Goal of Emergency Risk Communication Early Detection Delayed Response Control Opportunity

Goal of Emergency Risk Communication Early Detection Rapid Response Control Opportunity Days since first case Case Numbers

When should authorities communicate a serious, emerging risk? A.Immediately, when a potential risk is identified. B.When lab analysis confirms the cause and nature of the risk.

Transparency in Practice Warning Ongoing access Decision-making

Why do you think organizations resist transparency in risk communications? 1.Incomplete information 2.Potential economic impact 3.Possible stigma 4.Other

Uncertainty Dilemma For organizations: > uncertainty, the weaker the guidance > uncertainty, more diverse the expert opinion For individuals: > uncertainty, higher mental distress > uncertainty, greater sense of hopelessness Not knowing described as “unbearable”

Uncertainty: Which Doctor would you trust? A.Hopeful and positive, shares only confirmed, certain information B.Discusses what could go wrong, shares confirmed but also what she is not sure of

Economic Dilemma 15

Cost of behaviour change < cost of delayed response $$$ Treatment of additional cases $$$ Legal liability $$$ Cost to victims (eg. Lost wages, child care) The difficult economic question: WHO PAYS?

Stigma Dilemma

Discussion Ms Aphaluck BHATIASEVI, Technical Officer (Risk Communication), WHO Mr Michal MCCLUSKY, International Media and Broadcast Consultant, Michael McClusky Media (tbc)

Workgroup Task 1: Isolating Barriers to Success

In terms of transparency, rank the common weaknesses which represent a most significant barriers to success A.Lack of guidelines and policies B.Limited budget and Human resources, including advocacy C.Ensuring leadership engagement and endorsement D.Emergency communication exercises and training E.Practical tool and template development F.Other

Workgroup Task 2: Recommendations

In terms of transparency, rank these abilities in terms of international best practice? A.Rapid approval of warnings and advisories of a real or potential public health risk B.Ability to issue warnings or advisories of a real or potential risk during non-business hours for example evenings and holidays C.Capacity to ensure hard to reach and minority populations are informed of warnings or advisories through translated and tailored materials. D.Adherence to decision making principles – enshrined in a regulation, policy or formal guideline -- on the timely public release of information E.Ensuring event transparency is evaluated against agreed upon principles. F.Other