Crisis, Communication, and Canadian Hospitals: An Analysis and Evaluation of Risk Preparedness and Crisis Communication Efforts of Ontario Hospitals

Abstract

Background While hospitals are complex and unique organizations, they are not often the subjects of crisis communication research. Analysis Through an analysis of each stage of the crisis communication process (preparedness, execution, and post-crisis), this study seeks to analyze and evaluate the crisis response of Canadian hospitals from a strategic communication perspective. Conclusions and implications This study reflects the findings of similar research in the field, confirming that hospitals in Ontario are indeed more prepared to face issues and crises that they have faced in the past. This study also demonstrates how integration between crisis communication and operational crisis management helps to foster a robust crisis preparedness strategy and a unified crisis response.