Risk research

This publication is designed to assist in the identification of public health issues which may create difficulties in communicating health risks, to provide guidance in risk strategies, and to allow for alternative analysis and sources of assistance. The problem of 'perceived trustworthinesss' of sources of information is discussed as is the need to be clear about objectives for any communication of health risks. Risk communication is considered in terms of research findings and as a decision process. A checklist of key points is provided.

This summary report provides an overview of the results of a research project funded jointly by the Department of Health and the Health and Safety Executive, focusing on developing a set of validated methodological tools to enable those running public consultation exercises to evaluate their effectiveness. The full report, and the toolkit, is available from the researchers at the Institute of Food Research, or from the IFR website

A research project has been undertaken to identify and understand individuals’ risk literacy and its impact upon risk information requirements. The focus has been health risk issues relevant to the general population on which the Department of Health has to communicate, either directly or indirectly.