[Role of the occupational physician in risk communication]

Risk can be defined as the probability of suffering a loss or an effect because of some event. Communication can be defined as an exchange of information. Risk communication can be defined as the exchange of information among interested parties about the nature, magnitude, significance, or control of a risk. Although effective risk communication is difficult for several reasons, depending on the source, channel and receiver, communication plays a key role in occupational and environmental medicine. Risk communication is a "two-way process" involving an interactive exchange between occupational physician and workers. How risk estimates are communicated depends on who is talking, who is listening and what is being said. One of the most important findings to emerge from risk communication research is that occupational (and environmental medicine) physicians are among the most trusted and credible sources of information on occupational (and environmental) health issues. Trust and credibility are key issues in risk communication. The ability to establish useful and constructive channels of communication depends on whether the physician is perceived as trustworthy. Empathy-caring, competence-expertise, honesty-openess and dedication-commitment are considered as the most important factors in determining trust and credibility. Effective risk communication is a complex art and skill that requires substantial knowledge, training and practice: communication structure is important, as much as content.