摘要：Objectives. To articulate a conceptual framework in support of evaluation activities in emergency risk communications (ERC). Methods. The framework proposed is based on a systematic review of the scientific literature (2001–2016) combined with data derived from a series of semistructured interviews with experts and practitioners in ERC, and it is designed to support local, national, and international public health organizations in implementing evaluation studies in ERC. Results. We identified a list of ERC outcomes from the full-text review of 152 articles and categorized these into 3 groups, depending upon the level at which the outcome was measured: (1) information environment, (2) population, and (3) public health system. We analyzed interviewees’ data from 18 interviews to identify practices and processes related to the effectiveness of ERC and included these as key structural components and processes in the developed evaluation framework. Conclusions. Researchers and public health practitioners interested in the evaluation of ERC can use the conceptual framework described in this article to guide the development of evaluation studies and methods for assessing communication outcomes related to public health emergencies. The 21st century poses new and ever-evolving challenges for the practice of emergency risk communications (ERC), “the real-time exchange of information, advice and opinions between experts and/or officials, and people who face the threat to their survival, health, economic or social well-being.” 1 (slide3) These challenges are associated with broad societal developments, including increasing information and communications, biomedical revolutions, the increasing movement of people and goods across borders, and varying levels of public trust in the establishment and authorities. Emergency risk communications is increasingly recognized as significant for preparing for and responding to public health emergencies. This is evidenced by its inclusion as one of the International Health Regulations’ 8 core capacities needed by World Health Organization (WHO) member states to strengthen national and global systems for detecting and responding to public health threats, 2 and by the emphasis given by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on educating and equipping public health professionals for expanding communication responsibilities of public health in emergency situations. 3 The effectiveness of ERC efforts depends upon the public health and other national and local systems in place and its capability to meet the needs of all population segments, especially the most vulnerable. Evaluation science can improve the knowledge base of ERC by building evidence on which communication strategies, including messages and dissemination platforms, are or are not effective. Despite growing literature in this field, a framework guiding the evaluation of ERC practice and its relationship to population outcomes during emergency situations does not exist. In this article, we aim to articulate a conceptual framework in support of evaluation activities in ERC—the RICE (risk-communications evaluation) framework. The framework proposed is on the basis of a review and analysis of the scientific literature (2001–2016) combined with expert opinion and is designed to support local, national, and international public health organizations in implementing evaluation studies in ERC.
