Key Findings
- A national public information campaign, complemented by jurisdictional public communications activities, was important for the Australian community to develop an understanding of the role of hygiene in reducing the transmission of influenza.
- Improved communication strategies would enhance future responses.
- Targeted communication with high-risk groups could be improved.
- Media interest in this health emergency was unprecedented. The National Health Emergency Media Response Network (NHEMRN) was invaluable in supporting coordinated national and jurisdictional media responses.
- There is a need to consider a complementary public communications network to coordinate national and jurisdictional public communication campaigns.
- Government websites and telephone hotlines were important information tools. There were challenges in keeping them up to date with current and consistent information.
- The roles of the CMO and CHOs were vital in providing the public with highly credible spokespeople on health issues. Planning for a deputy spokesperson for each of these roles would relieve the pressure on these senior managers.
Text box 2: Public communications guidance from AHMPPI 2008
Objective
Objective
- Operational objective 1: Communicate the best available information to decision makers, health professionals and the public.
- Information collection and analysis
- Information distribution
- Accurate and timely information is required in order to protect the community and individuals.
- The public is a valuable source of information during a pandemic, as they report illness to health professionals and communicate perceptions to decision makers through qualitative and quantitative research, media reports and blogs.
- The Australian Government, state and territory and local governments work together on communication strategies and plans.
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