« IOM-anations | Main | About use and misuse in clinical science »
September 26, 2006
Adverse Events Beyond Healthcare
by MaryEllen O'Donohue
While none of us want to think about another 9/11, the fact remains that we live in a turbulant world where preparedness is the name of the game. While healthcare news is important, how should we continually move forward with our planned media activities of the day, while at the same time preparing for "adverse events" outside of the world of healthcare?
Remember, it is possible that any type of reporter -- healthcare or not -- may be personally touched by world events -- such as those in Iraq. This can include family members in the military, those with family and friends in the Middle East, and those with colleagues who may be covering the war from abroad. When speaking with the media about healthcare news during this time, we need to be sensitive to a reporter's personal situation. Additionally, we should communicate only relevant news information and not attempt to capitalize on healthcare issues that may be related or topical regarding a nation's crisis (believe it or not, this has been done in our industry and is not an ethical approach to our business).
Finally, remember during a national crisis to think outside of our healthcare box. The space we fight so hard to get into for many of our clients will naturally become limited as papers and broadcasters will move/refocus our healthcare contacts or utilize the space for more urgent, topical coverage.
Posted by maryellen_o'donohue at September 26, 2006 03:57 PM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
/cgi-bin/mt-tb.cgi/41
