The role of the public in the management of public health risks.
OBJECTIVE
To critique current models of public involvement in the management of public health risks.


METHODS
Two case studies are used to highlight the challenges of contemporary practice.


RESULTS
Current models often result in affected communities having perceptions of risk that conflict with those responsible for risk management. This can lead to ineffective decision making.


CONCLUSIONS
Involving the public throughout the risk assessment and risk management process may lessen conflict and result in better decisions.


CONCLUSIONS
Those responsible for responding to public health risks should aim for transparent processes that highlight assumptions and uncertainties, and involve the public wherever possible.
Beard
John
J
Northern Rivers University, Department of Rural Health, New South Wales. jbeard@med.usyd.edu.au
Birden
Hudson
H
D001315:Australia; D003256:Community Participation; D006801:Humans; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D011634:Public Health; D012308:Risk Management