‘Home quarantine confusion may be due to miscommunication’

KUALA LUMPUR: Confusion over Covid-19 management protocols involving patients under home quarantine might be due to the standard operating procedures (SOP) not being relayed properly to affected individuals.

Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association president Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said he believed the SOPs were clear, despite complaints.

“However, the SOP may not be well communicated to family members (considered as close contacts to Covid-19 patients under home quarantine). They are required to conduct self-monitoring through MySejahtera.”

Universiti Putra Malaysia epidemiology and biostatistics expert Associate Professor Dr Malina Osman said “hyperinflation of information” was among the reasons that led to the protocols being unclear to some.

“The Health Ministry’s Health Promotion Unit has strategised well to educate the public on Covid-19 preventive measures.

“There are many published materials, brochures and guidelines that are communicated through websites, social media, as well as through television, radio and newspapers.

“However, in this era of ‘hyperinflation of information’, the specific message required by the public may not be readily available without getting it from specific sources.”

She said getting the right source of information would be a problem to those without Internet access or unfamiliar with technology.

She the confusion might have come from the way the information was presented.

“For example, information related to home quarantine may have been presented with other information, such as daily figures and other information.

“Sometimes, there are materials that have too much detailed information in small fonts and mixed with technical terms. The materials are also highlighted in too many colours that could affect comprehension.

“Any health education material should have its objectives on why it is produced, has its own target groups, presented in simple language, appropriate design, suitable font and colour selection.”

She proposed a dedicated portal to address specific material with specific objectives.

“We should have only one source of information (one Facebook, Instagram and portal), and the ministry should promote only the portal for public reference.

“Districts or states should use only one source to relay important information to the public.

“The information should be available in all major languages, and provide illustrations of preventive measures. It should not allow any confusion among the public or provide misinformation.”

Source: NST