Communication Ethics in Health Crisis and Risky Situations

Nesrin ÇOBANOĞLUa , Nazlı ŞENYUVA OFFRINGAb

aGazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical History and Ethics, Ankara, Türkiye
bUniversity of Southern California, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Los Angeles, CA, USA

ABSTRACT
During health crises and high-risk situations, effective communication is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of individuals and communities. This article examines the significance of ethical communication in navigating such complex situations within the healthcare sector. It explores the ethical obligations that healthcare workers must observe when interacting with patients, colleagues, and the public in times of crisis. By leveraging ethical principles and best practices, the article highlights the importance of being transparent, empathetic, accurate, and culturally aware to build trust and support informed decision-making. Additionally, it underscores the contribution of technology and social media in spreading reliable information and fighting against misinformation during health emergencies. Through the adherence to communication ethics, healthcare professionals can lessen the severity of crises, enhance public health, and respect the dignity and rights of everyone involved.
Keywords: Ethics; environment and public health; health communication; medical ethics; social media

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