Citation

Strasser T, Gallagher J. World Health Forum 1994; 15(2): 175-177.

Affiliation

World Hypertension League, Geneva, Switzerland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, World Health Organization)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8018285

Abstract

Communication involves the interchange of information between message recipients and professionals and the mass media. Health communication should adhere to the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, respect for personal autonomy, and justice. The exchange between health professionals and patients should involve informed consent regarding the purpose and nature of the intervention and possible alternatives. There should be respect, freedom from intimidation, and suitable language understandable to patients. Pubic health information effectively communicated must be clear and complete, but not necessarily exhaustive. Complex explanations must be balanced by the ability of the public to comprehend and by informative detail that does not overload the public. Complex issues of benefit and risk, screening for disease, and risk factors must be carefully handled to avoid misunderstanding and misrepresentation. Cultural conceptions must be respected, even when there is no scientific basis in fact. Resolution may be necessary between the interests of individuals and the interests of society. Scientific information must be placed in context and information not withheld for journalists; for example, it would be misleading to not mention that the study and results on lung cancer were funded by the Tobacco Industry. Mass media presentation of scientific information must be accurate, clear, accountable, honest, and decent. Readers should be considered as capable of making rational decisions based on true, accurate, and sufficient information. Sources should be checked for reputation of the individual and reliability. Complete candor and full sets of information should be given to the press, even though in some cases the physician may not tell the patient the whole truth. Impairment in people's ability to make informed decisions may occur with too many reports of beneficial treatments, neglect of risky treatments, and overstatement of risks associated with drugs and medical devices. Essential advice can be ignored, when excessive health information is provided. Benefits to some and risks to many must be balanced. Communication that respects the autonomy of individuals is ethically distinct from campaigning communication aimed at sensationalizing. Ethics controls are written into law in some countries; perhaps an international code for communication in public information on health should be developed.

Language: en