Experiential training in disaster preparedness communication to serve groups with lower literacy: An innovative graduate health education module

Background: Aftermaths of disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean tsunami highlight the immediate need to increase education in emergency preparedness communication for public health students. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consider improving emergency communication a top research priority.

Objectives: (1) To increase students' understanding of disaster communication techniques; (2) To consider strategies for reaching vulnerable groups with lower literacy with disaster preparedness messages.

Methods: The training module was piloted in a graduate-level health communication seminar in Spring 2008 (n=9 students). It is being implemented again in Spring 2009 (n=15). Students complete pre/post training surveys containing Likert and open-ended questions. In session one, an overview of disaster communication is provided through lecture and video. In class two, students learn about health literacy and practice developing plain-language preparedness messages. In class three, students work in groups to create a disaster communication plan and messages for a population of their choosing (e.g., older seniors with limited literacy) which they present in class four to a panel of risk communication specialists from the university and local health department.

Results: Analysis of Likert-type survey items showed significant improvement in students' knowledge about crisis communication and confidence regarding use of communication principles to develop clear disaster messages (p<.05). In responses to open-ended questions, students reported enjoying the “practical experience of developing messages” and learning the “importance of media and health professionals working together.”

Conclusions: The educational module appears to be effective in engaging graduate students actively in disaster communication for vulnerable populations.