Using Digital Health to Enhance Risk Communication During Climate Events

Summary

Objectives: Risk communication is a critical component of health disaster management. Adverse health impacts are reduced by promoting the adoption of health-protective behaviours by health consumers. However, the success of risk communication relies on its ability to influence human behaviour and is shaped by perceptions, message relevance, and social and cultural influences. This perspective offers insights into how digital tools could support consumers during natural disasters by facilitating effective risk communication and addressing behavioural barriers.

Methods: This work examines factors influencing risk communication through the lens of human behaviour by consumers and introduces standard practices in risk communication. Digital solutions to climate-related risk communication are then proposed, drawing on existing evidence, real-world examples and authors' expertise to provide contextual understanding and practical viewpoints.

Results: Digital tools, by gathering and synthesising data, can assist in generating and disseminating tailored actionable messages to communities and debunking misinformation, particularly to vulnerable populations. Additionally, technologies that enable visualisation, simulation, sensing, and social connection can enhance risk understanding and create opportunities for the adoption of protective behaviour among consumers.

Conclusions: Leveraging digital technology using participatory approaches that consider consumer needs and involve consumers in developing these technologies, is likely to substantially enhance health care efficacy and success.