Community pharmacists and communication in the time of COVID-19: Applying the health belief model

The emergence of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic presents an unprecedented health communications challenge. Healthcare providers should reinforce behaviors that limit the spread of the pandemic, including social distancing and remaining in the home whenever possible. Formal communications toolkits may not be prepared in a timely fashion. Community pharmacists can reinforce mitigation behaviors by applying the health belief model (HBM). This commentary provides an overview of the HBM and offers suggestions on how community pharmacists can use it as a guide to patient communication in these uncertain contexts.

Automated summary

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant health communication challenge, with healthcare providers needing to reinforce behaviors that limit the spread of the virus. Formal communication toolkits may not be prepared in a timely manner, so community pharmacists can apply the health belief model to reinforce mitigation behaviors. This commentary provides an overview of the HBM and suggests ways in which community pharmacists can use it as a guide in communicating with patients during uncertain times.