Human behaviour plays a key role in prevention, early detection and effective treatment of diseases and outbreaks. Access to current behavioural knowledge and practical, useful operational perspectives can support policymakers as well as healthcare workers and other professionals in bringing about the desired behavioural changes. This includes knowledge on support for measures or on effective communication. Any secondary effects of measures that impact mental health, for example, should also be included in the decision-making process.

The aim is to make better use of behavioural research to prevent and control a pandemic in future. Strengthening and structurally organising behavioural research are prerequisites in this regard.

More information on the specific studies is available on the RIVM page on Behavioural research – Pandemic preparedness. The Pandemic Preparedness and Behaviour Toolkit is also provided on that page.