Prenotification

Prenotification is the act of informing someone in advance about a forthcoming action, event, or decision. It is used to prepare the recipient, solicit input, or comply with formal requirements that call for advance notice. The term covers a range of practices rather than a single standardized procedure, and its exact meaning can vary by field.

In administrative and organizational settings, prenotification serves as a proactive communication tool. It may precede changes in terms of service, scheduled maintenance, or upcoming decisions that affect stakeholders. By providing advance notice, organizations aim to reduce disruption, allow planning, and obtain necessary approvals or feedback.

In legal and regulatory contexts, prenotification can fulfill statutory or policy obligations to inform affected parties before actions are taken. This can include notices about disconnections, term changes, or other administratively significant events. The content and timing are often governed by rules intended to protect consumer rights and ensure transparency.

In research and communications, pre-notification messages are used to prepare participants or audiences for forthcoming activities. This can improve response rates, reduce bias, or set expectations about the purpose and scope of an inquiry or program.

Practices around prenotification emphasize clarity, relevance, and reasonable timing. Effective prenotification avoids excessive burden on recipients and respects privacy and accessibility considerations. The aim is to balance the need to inform with the need to minimize unnecessary disruption.

See also: advance notice, notification, pre-notification letter.