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Science communication as a preventative tool in the COVID19 pandemic

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  • Gagan Matta

    (Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University))

Abstract

Humans have witnessed epidemics and pandemics periodically throughout history. Often, such infectious outbreaks have resulted in entire civilisations struggling against possible extinction. Despite recent clinical advancements and technological developments, issues of neglected sustainability and lax health hygiene practices, among others, have provided a context for the emergence of the COVID19 pandemic. Against such a backdrop, scientific communication using diversified tools could play a significant role in efforts towards preparedness and control, as well as the initiation of immediate remedial measures in the fight against epidemics and pandemics. These tools could help to increase understanding of the scientific solutions to minimise the outbreaks of infectious diseases, thereby strengthening societal immunity. This paper considers the history of epidemics/pandemics to draw attention to their occurrence, effects and potential impacts on human societies. In addition, it defines the major factors underpinning the various infectious outbreaks over the last three decades. Constructive preparation and preventative stages for authorities, scientists and researchers to check and diminish the impact of epidemics and pandemics during and post-outbreak are suggested while focusing on the need for science communication in the healthcare system. The paper also reviews recent empirical studies and WHO guidelines. Communication through appropriate communicators may help cut through the noise, share facts and boost confidence in science and governance. The impact of science communication on the interplay between government–expert–public or society could help promote positive behavioural change as well as overcome linguistic barriers.

Suggested Citation

  • Gagan Matta, 2020. "Science communication as a preventative tool in the COVID19 pandemic," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 7(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:7:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-020-00645-1
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-020-00645-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simon French, 2012. "Expert Judgment, Meta-analysis, and Participatory Risk Analysis," Decision Analysis, INFORMS, vol. 9(2), pages 119-127, June.
    2. Zhu, Peican & Wang, Xinyu & Li, Shudong & Guo, Yangming & Wang, Zhen, 2019. "Investigation of epidemic spreading process on multiplex networks by incorporating fatal properties," Applied Mathematics and Computation, Elsevier, vol. 359(C), pages 512-524.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yuwan Malakar & Justine Lacey & Paul M Bertsch, 2022. "Towards responsible science and technology: How nanotechnology research and development is shaping risk governance practices in Australia," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Yuyao Feng & Guowen Li & Xiaolei Sun & Jianping Li, 2022. "Identification of tourists’ dynamic risk perception—the situation in Tibet," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Celia Andreu-Sánchez & Miguel Ángel Martín-Pascual, 2022. "Scientific illustrations of SARS-CoV-2 in the media: An imagedemic on screens," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-6, December.
    4. Sirui Li & Ying Liu & Jing Su & Xin Luo & Xiao Yang, 2022. "Can e-commerce platforms build the resilience of brick-and-mortar businesses to the COVID-19 shock? An empirical analysis in the Chinese retail industry," ULB Institutional Repository 2013/356995, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    5. Kason Ka Ching Cheung & Ho-Yin Chan & Sibel Erduran, 2023. "Communicating science in the COVID-19 news in the UK during Omicron waves: exploring representations of nature of science with epistemic network analysis," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-14, December.
    6. Beniamino Schiavone & Andrea Vitale & Mena Gallo & Gianlucasalvatore Russo & Domenico Ponticelli & Mario Borrelli, 2021. "Overview of Facebook Use by Hospitals in Italy: A Nationwide Survey during the COVID-19 Emergency," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-17, July.
    7. Manh-Toan Ho & Manh-Tung Ho & Quan-Hoang Vuong, 2021. "Total SciComm: A Strategy for Communicating Open Science," Publications, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-10, July.

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