TY - JOUR T1 - Qualitative Review of Organizational Responses to Rumors in the 2014–2016 Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Liberia and Sierra Leone JF - Global Health: Science and Practice JO - GLOB HEALTH SCI PRACT DO - 10.9745/GHSP-D-21-00203 AU - Amelia J. Brandt AU - Bonnie Katalenich AU - David W. Seal Y1 - 2021/08/17 UR - http://www.ghspjournal.org/content/early/2021/08/16/GHSP-D-21-00203.abstract N2 - Key FindingsDuring the 2014–2016 Ebola virus disease outbreak in Liberia and Sierra Leone rumors were identified and managed using formal and informal approaches, most often through interpersonal communication rather than mass media. Rumor management approaches included Community Led Ebola Action, Community Led Total Sanitation, drama performances, Ebola treatment center/unit-based approaches, radio, leveraging community leaders as information sources, and organizational change.EVD responders often identified and responded to rumors even when this was not part of their professional role.Several rumors were addressed through improvement or changes in the outbreak response.Key ImplicationsProgram managers involved in rumor identification and management programming should consider the role of staff members who have direct contact with the public but who do not have specific communication responsibilities.Rumors provide vital information about public perception of outbreak response and issues that may require remediation.Introduction:Rumors and misperceptions were a persistent challenge in the response to the 2014–2016 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa. This study aimed to document organizational approaches to identifying and addressing rumors and provide practical recommendations for future outbreaks.Methods:We conducted semistructured interviews with 34 individuals who participated in the EVD response in Liberia and/or Sierra Leone. Interviews focused on the general organizational approach and organizational response to specific rumors. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim.Results:Most respondents reported that rumors were considered an organizational priority and their importance increased over time. Formal rumor identification systems using community-level reporters were described in Liberia and Sierra Leone as well as varied informal systems. A wide range of approaches was used to address rumors including Community Led Ebola Action, Community Led Total Sanitation, drama performances, Ebola Treatment Center/Unit-based approaches, radio, leveraging community leaders as an information source, and organization change. Interpersonal and community-led approaches were described most often. Staff whose professional roles did not involve rumor management reported informally addressing rumors with colleagues and beneficiaries. Rumors reflecting valid concerns with the EVD response, such as potential infection in health care facilities, were addressed through organizational change and improvement.Discussion:Interpersonal and community-led approaches were considered effective by participants and hold promise for future outbreaks. Informal systems developed at Ebola Treatment Centers/Units highlighted how these facilities may be utilized as an information hub. Professionals who interact with beneficiaries, especially local staff, are likely to address rumors informally and organizations may benefit from considering local staff an asset in rumor management. Rumors alerted responders to issues in the EVD response, but this may not be the most efficient mechanism to receive and address concerns. ER -