Lessons Learnt from Risk Communication Strategies Implemented During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review and SWOT Analysis

Exploring efforts for communicating risk specifically tailored to COVID-19 global epidemic could facilitate the identification of program priorities and key implementation constructs most likely associated with positive outcomes. We aimed to identify key considerations and lessons learnt from communicating risk during COVID-19 pandemic through a systematic scoping review.

All peer-reviewed publications, in English, indexed in PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, Wiley Online and Google Scholar databases from January 2019 to 22 December 2020 were reviewed. Studies were included if they described characteristics of risk communication strategies implemented during COVID-19 outbreak. Content analysis and a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis were performed. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Publications varied in terms of settings; however, the majority were descriptive studies. A range of key constructs relating to the implementation of risk communication during COVID-19 pandemic were identified: risk communication frameworks and evaluation models, message content characteristics, mis-information spread, cultural, political, and economic aspects. A list of suggestions based on research findings was further collated. Additionally, our SWOT analysis reflected multiple lessons learnt from in-practice communication of risk.

This study contributes to the knowledge basis on risk communication during pandemics and provides some practical insights into key considerations and recommendations when implementing strategies for communicating risk. Findings can inform planning of ongoing research that more systematically designs, implements, and evaluates risk communication during COVID-19 pandemic.