Coronavirus: Steps to Maintain Healthy Communication by Government and Individuals to Prevent Any Health Crisis
In the case of a health crisis, every organization and public health representatives need to maintain relevant crisis communications. It is important to ensure that the communication is correct, precise and understandable. There should be no loopholes or misleading information as it can aggravate the situation. Thus, they have an extra responsibility for building and maintaining trust in a crisis.
The biggest responsibility of delivering crisis communications depends on healthcare organizations. The customers and stakeholders view any healthcare organization with trust. They depend on such organizations for high-quality care and integrity. They also have the right resources and correct information sources. They ensure health and safety in general. Most people now believe in personal healthcare and it is important to create trust.
Amidst the latest health crisis of the COVID-19 outbreak in China and in 120 other countries, this crisis communication has become a significant need of the hour. The World Health Organisation is managing the responsibility for crisis communication. They have been updating all the communication on their website. Other bodies that are managing the communication for COVID-19 are the national and local public health authorities.
COVID-19 outbreaks need extra attention for crisis communication strategy in a healthcare organization. Majority of the people who get infected recover after mild illness, but this can become severe for many others. Thus, it is important to look after your health and to protect others by sharing the right communication.
Many organizations are sharing healthcare communication strategies with their employees and the public in general. Some of the points that are being covered are as follows:
· Do not neglect any person that you had an interaction with as you meet many people in a day so it is important to consider everyone you have met or interacted with. It is important to not neglect any of these interactions which can derail a health program. Communicating with health employees and physicians is important. Your plan should be to reach your audience with a plan and a timeline.
· The communications strategy or messaging helps in minimizing liability for the healthcare organization. Communicators need to rebuild trust and work in compliance with the legal team. The communication strategies should be in the best interest of the organization. It should work towards a common goal. A good relationship between the communications strategist and the legal team is good for the organization during a crisis.
· As the situation is sensitive and the health of people at risk, it is important to acknowledge the emotional aspect of your audience while creating communications. The communication should not just acknowledge the emotions but should provide an appropriate opportunity to vent and communicate. It is important to address all the important questions that your audience might have. Empathize with them. Try to create an emotional bond with them which will help the affected person in the most powerful way. This also pertains to large corporations.
· Health care is a huge industry that may have footprints in many countries too. It is important to address the situation in a global manner. The organizations that face such challenges like yours can be benefitted through such a campaign. Using national or international data can help solve the crisis. This also helps to share knowledge and widen the focus to more people.
COVID- 19 is one such crisis that is becoming a challenge and overwhelming many organizations. This is the time when all organizations should reach out to get help in crisis communications. It is important to meet objectivity and expertise from an outside consultant and help from experts will always be valuable in this daunting scenario.
Now it is important to maintain communication through various sources as described below:
· Digital communication, posters, flyers across organizations or campus
· Organizing Workshops for Staff Members
· Creating a crisis response team within the organization
· Getting help from external agencies, health departments, hospitals, NGOs
Here are certain things that should be added to your communication while trying to exercise caution against COVID-19:
1. Washing your hands frequently: Regular and thorough cleaning of the hands with alcohol-based hand wash or with soap and water is important. This will kill any viruses that might be on the hands.
2. Maintain social distancing: maintain a distance of at least 1 meter between yourself and someone who coughs or sneezes. This is crucial as when people cough or sneeze, they tend to spray small droplets from their nose that may have a virus. If the distance is not maintained then one might breathe in the droplets which may contain the COVID-19 virus.
3. Avoid touching eyes, mouth or nose: The hands can pick up viruses from many surfaces and this can contaminate your hands. If you touch your face, mouth or nose, you can pick up these viruses. This can also get transferred to your eyes, nose or mouth and then can enter your body.
4. Practice Respiratory Hygiene: This is vital as there are people around you who may get contaminated in case you have any viruses or bacteria. Following good respiratory hygiene includes covering your mouth or nose while coughing or sneezing. If you have used a tissue then you should dispose of it immediately to avoid the droplets containing virus from getting spread. These viruses could be of cold, flu or COVID-19.
5. Seek medical care if you have fever, cough or difficulty breathing: If you have any health issues that are a symptom of COVID-19 or if you are unwell then seek medical attention. It is vital to follow the directions of the local health authority. The national and local authorities are privy to most up to date information. If you call in advance then your health care provider can direct you to the health facility.
6. Stay informed: This is crucial as there are many latest news and developments about COVID-19. If you follow the advice from your healthcare provider, then you can protect yourself and others from COVID-19. The national and local authorities have the most up to date information on COVID-19. They will be able to tell what you should be doing to protect yourself.
It is also important to maintain protection and also to manage media response during such a crisis. If someone is infected or under quarantine then there are certain measures for them to follow especially if COVID-19 is spreading:
· Try and stay at home if you are unwell or have mild symptoms like headaches or a runny nose. Do not contact others and visit a medical facility that will allow the process to operate more effectively.
· It is important to keep authorities informed, you should call in advance and inform any healthcare provider about your recent travel or if you came in contact with other travellers.
Another crucial step is to not indulge in any false rumours. Always pass on information that is verified by a competent authority before sending it to the public domain.
