Changing how public health and the water industry communicates with the
general public about water safety and health advice: The impact of cognitive
linguistics
Rundblad has managed several projects on communication around safe water and
related issues such as compliance with health advice [1, 2, 4] and perceptions of real
versus minimal health risks [5] (2006-2013; funded by Leverhulme, DEFRA, Water
Research Foundation).
Underpinning research: Results show a stark influence of language and cognition
upon the general public’s beliefs and behaviour [1, 2, 4, 5], confirming the importance
of cognitive linguistic studies in public health research [1, 3, 5]. Rundblad and
colleagues have presented at conferences aimed at both academics and professionals
in public health, risk analysis, medical communication and cognitive linguistics in the
UK and the US.
Details of the impact: The Water Research Foundation has sponsored a US webcast
for all its subscribing water utilities in the US (Dec2013), and in the UK, King’s has
organised two well-received workshops (Oct2010; Sept2013) in collaboration with
the Drinking Water Inspectorate featuring presentations on consumer issues and water
communication from the King’s team as well as from representatives of the UK water
industry.
Rundblad's projects have had a range of uptakes in the water industry:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
individual water companies in the UK and US have readdressed their
communication policies [6],
the Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the
Environmental Protection Agency and the American Water Works
Association implemented conclusions and recommendations into their recent
Communication Toolbox on drinking water advice [7],
the Drinking Water Inspectorate and the Health Protection Agency (now
Public Health England) utilised results in the production of their joint
guidance for the provision of water during extreme events [8],
citation in Best Practice Guides and Water & Health Reviews (including by
the World Health Organisation), and inclusion in professional reviews and
news bulletins in the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand [9, 10, 11, 12].
Funded research projects
The impact of language and cognition on compliance during a natural disaster
(Leverhulme Sept2008-Sept 2010)
Improving communication on Cryptosporidium and 'Boil Water' notices: Lessons
from Pitsford (DEFRA Jan2009-Sept2010)
Consumer Perceptions and Attitudes towards EDCs and PPCPs in Drinking Water
(Water Research Foundation Feb2011-Oct2013)
Research publications
[1] Rundblad, G. 2008. The semantics and pragmatics of water notices and the impact
on public health. Journal of Water and Health 6.S1: 77-86.
[2] Rundblad, G., Knapton, O., and Hunter, P. 2010. Communication, perception and
behaviour during a natural disaster involving a ‘Do Not Drink’ and a subsequent ‘Boil
Water’ notice: a postal questionnaire study. BMC Public Health 10:641.
[3] Knapton, O., and Rundblad, G. in press. Public health in the UK media: Cognitive
Discourse Analysis and its application to a drinking water emergency. Contemporary
Studies in Critical Discourse Analysis. Bloomsbury Press.
Professionally-focused publications
[4] Rundblad, G. 2011. Impact of language and cognition on compliance during a
natural disaster - and improving communication on Cryptosporidium and "Boil
Water" notices. London: Drinking Water Inspectorate.
[5] Rundblad et al. in press. Consumer Perceptions and Attitudes towards EDCs
and PPCPs in Drinking Water. Denver: Water Research Foundation.
Evidence of impact
[6] Personal communications.
[7] Drinking Water Advisory Communication Toolbox. 2011. Department of Health,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency,
American Water Works Association.
[8] Health impacts from extreme events water shortages. 2012. London: Health
Protection Agency & Drinking Water Inspectorate.
[9] Effective Risk Communication: A Guide to Best Practice. 2010. TECHNEAU.
[10] Progress and challenges on water and health: the role of the Protocol on Water
and Health. 2010. Copenhagen: World Health Organisation.
[11] Security Notices. 2010. Association of State Drinking Water Administrators,
USA.
[12] Health Stream. 2010. Water Quality Research, Australia.
[13] Efficacy of boil water notices on Consumers. 2008. Community & Public Health,
New Zealand.
People
Dr Gabriella Rundblad (PI), Lecturer in Applied Linguistics, King’s College London
Miss Olivia Knapton, Research Assistant, King’s College London
Mr Chris Tang, Research Assistant, King’s College London