This research study provides recommendations for public health officials for improving risk communication with health care providers during a public health crisis.

Researchers interviewed family physicians in Canada who had experienced public health crises (e.g., SARS and H1N1 outbreaks) to learn what recommendations they have about how to improve risk communication to physicians during public health crises. Most notably, physicians want a single source of trustworthy information that is timely, succinct, and feasible for integrating into their daily practice. Risk communicators should consider the distinct needs of its learners and communicate via appropriate outlets, which can include social media given its expediency. They desire having helpful information to give to patients and recommend increasing the collaboration between public health organizations and frontline health providers.