Complicated models that can only be understood by experts block the communication process when decision makers have to choose between the different policies to be implemented. SARS-TA is a new methodology for explaining and communicating the consequences of the various alternatives that governments will face in the battle against SARS. It is designed to provide both understanding and motivation to those in government who must make difficult decisions in a timely fashion by demonstrating the likely consequences of a lack of preparedness or delays in the implementation of specific recommendations.