Antibiotics (Jul 2020)

Biofilm Control Strategies: Engaging with the Public

  • Joanna Verran,
  • Sarah Jackson,
  • Antony Scimone,
  • Peter Kelly,
  • James Redfern

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics9080465
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 8
p. 465

Abstract

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There are few peer-reviewed publications about public engagement with science that are written by microbiologists; those that exist tend to be a narrative of an event rather than a hypothesis-driven investigation. However, it is relatively easy for experienced scientists to use a scientific method in their approach to public engagement. This short communication describes three public engagement activities hosted by the authors, focused on biofilm control: hand hygiene, plaque control and an externally applied antimicrobial coating. In each case, audience engagement was assessed using quantitative and/or qualitative methods. A critical evaluation of the findings enabled the construction of a public engagement ‘tick list’ for future events that would enable a hypothesis-driven approach with more effective communication activities and more robust evaluation.

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