Lessons learned: enhancing rural risk communication for future health crises through the PHERCC framework

Abimbola Leslie · Elizabeth Kaschalk · Eline M. van den Broek‐Altenburg · Gary S. Stein · Jan Kirk Carney

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Public Relations and Crisis Communication Risk Perception and Management Communication and COVID-19 Impact

Abstract

Introduction: Public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the critical role of effective risk communication in managing crises. The Public Health Emergency Risk and Crisis Communication framework (PHERCC) provides a structured approach to crafting, delivering, and refining public health messages to build trust, promote compliance, and enhance societal resilience. Methods: This qualitative study examined COVID-19 risk communication strategies in rural Northern New England using the PHERCC framework. Data were collected through seventeen stakeholder interviews, seven focus groups, and a pilot study conducted between November 2022 and March 2023. Stakeholders represented state and local organizations, while focus group participants included rural residents. A thematic analysis using NVivo software aligned findings with the six PHERCC domains: Evidence, Initiator, Channel, Publics, Message, and Feedback. Results: Stakeholders emphasized transparency in public health messaging, adapting to evolving evidence while maintaining consistency. Trusted local sources and traditional media were essential for reaching vulnerable populations, particularly older adults in rural areas. Public feedback highlighted barriers such as misinformation, translation challenges, and limited internet access. The pilot study confirmed that community collaboration and tailored messaging increased understanding and trust among rural residents. Simplified accessible core messages and consistent updates further enhanced public engagement. Conclusion: This study shows the importance of evidence-based, adaptive, and population subgroup sensitive communication during public health emergencies. The PHERCC framework proved instrumental in addressing challenges, promoting trust, and refining strategies. Investing in inclusive communication systems and leveraging community partnerships are important for effective responses to future health crises.

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2020COVID-19 and digital inequalities: Reciprocal impacts and mitigation strategies 2020Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural America 2020The Emergence of COVID-19 in the US: A Public Health and Political Communication Crisis 2020Public Health and Risk Communication During COVID-19—Enhancing Psychological Needs to Promote Sustainable Behavior Change 2024TikTok as a Source of Health Information and Misinformation for Young Women in the United States: Survey Study 2021Health authorities’ health risk communication with the public during pandemics: a rapid scoping review 2024A Comprehensive Analysis of COVID-19 Misinformation, Public Health Impacts, and Communication Strategies: Scoping Review 2024Influence of COVID-19 on trust in routine immunization, health information sources and pandemic preparedness in 23 countries in 2023

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