Methodologic issues in risk communications to workers

Until the late 1980s, epidemiologists in general did not individually notify subjects of the results of epidemiological studies. Now that they are beginning to do so, the question arises of how best to notify those involved. In general, the methods, the processes and the policies related to effectively communicating risks to workers have not been thoroughly examined in the scientific literature. This is especially true in situations where workers have already experienced the exposures that led to increased risks for disease. The recent increasing numbers of notifications have raised several methodologic issues, which are examined in terms of: (1) the content of notification, (2) the process of notification, and (3) the evaluation of the impact and effectiveness of notification. Too often in the discussion concerning notification, attention is paid to the content but the process and evaluation are rarely considered. The potential impact and effectiveness of notification have been raised as reasons for or against notification, but rarely has there been a concerted effort to evaluate a notification in this regard. This workshop was designed to address all these issues. The ultimate goal is to improve communications for workers.