Role of Leadership in Health Crisis Communication

Kadir Serdar YILMAZa , Seçil ÖZKANa

aGazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Ankara, Türkiye

ABSTRACT
Health crises are difficult to manage and if not managed well, it is inevitable that fear and anxiety will prevail in the community. During a crisis, the pressure on management and health workers is expected to increase. In this turbulent period, society needs people to lead and play a role. Health managers who stand out with their leadership play a very important role in overcoming health crises with minimal damage. Communication should be used effectively in health crises as in every crisis. Effective communication between the community, health workers and scientists during the crisis will facilitate the management of the process. The leader’s quick reaction and transparent information to the public about the current situation will provide an environment of trust. The most up-to-date communication channels should be selected for the messages to be given during the health crisis and an example should be set for the society throughout the process. It is the leader’s duty to learn from the mistakes made during the crisis communication process and ensure that they are not repeated in the future.
Keywords: Leadership; communication; public health

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