The CIPHI Ontario Branch Continuing Professional Education Series is pleased to announce our first workshop for the fall season.

The Science of Communicating Risk

Date: November 29 & 30, 2011

When public officials, health professionals, scientists and engineers are called upon to deliver complex technical, environmental, or risk-based information to a non-scientific audience, the goal is to engage stakeholders in the process of understanding the true risk characterization, resolving conflict, diffusing fears, and achieving actionable goals.

High-concern, low-trust situations can develop very quickly and without warning. Environmental accidents, contaminated drinking water, communicable diseases, historical contamination, legislative changes, public health advisories, and human health risk assessments are just a few examples of issues that can heighten concern and potentially generate fear and outrage within a community.

Deliverables

The workshop will cover a wide range of topics including:

• Essentials of Communicating Risk

• Communicating Beyond Words

• Active Listening / Bridging

• Oral and Written Communications

• Dealing With Challenging Questions

• The Power of Non-Verbal Cues

• Understanding Risk Perception

• Stakeholder Analysis

• Responding to Outrage

• Communication Planning Tools

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities available through the application of effective risk communication principles. They will also learn an effective approach for analyzing and responding to public perception surrounding risks and potential risks. The workshop will provide the participant with practical tools for developing credible oral and written responses to complex, health-related questions from concerned stakeholders.

Professional Development Hours

Participants holding a Regular membership with the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) may report participation in this workshop as part of their Professional Development Activity Record and Learning Plan. An application has been filed with the Council of Professional Experience (CoPE), an entity of CIPHI, to approve this workshop for 14 Professional Development Hours (PDHs).

Workshop flyer, click here

Workshop registration information, click here