A multilayered research framework 1 for humanities and epidemiology of medicinal product risk communication

Abstract

Modern medicines are among the most successful health interventions, and as such are part of our daily lives and conversations. However, they do not come without risks, and safe use advice from healthcare professionals, conversations between friends and debates in the media are some of the many forms communication about risks with medicines can take. With a view to improving communication for the benefit of patients and society as a whole, this chapter discusses how to approach communication about medicine risks with curiosity and compassion for communication as a vital human behaviour and with consideration for the social spheres where such communication actually happens. Reflecting on past and current safety challenges with medicines, the chapter proposes a multilayered research framework that combines different data types and methods from various scientific disciplines to gain a wider and deeper understanding of the complexity of communication as well as the causal relationships, risk and success factors and pathways towards outcomes. This research approach advocates for the active participation of patients, healthcare professionals and journalists in research and mutual learning. It should generate evidence relevant for communicators in high- and low-income countries alike and prepare the ground for establishing a self-standing inclusive discipline of humanities and epidemiology of medicinal product risk communication.