Real or fake

University of Medicine RCSI and Health Sciences - Medical Myths

• Participation in the learning session via menti.com using code 4667 7650.

Class Overview

• Class: Foundation Year

• Module: Communication Professionalism in the Health Sciences 1

• Code: COMMPROF.18

• Lecturer: Eric Clarke

• Date: Thursday, 17-Oct-24

• Time: 14:00 - 15:00 (Dublin time)

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding Dis and Misinformation: Gain clarity on what constitutes misinformation and disinformation and the mechanics of their spread.

• Role of Healthcare Professionals: Reflect on the responsibility of healthcare professionals in challenging poor quality information.

• Database Contrast: Differentiate between healthcare-specific databases and general online databases.

• Terminology Definitions: Learn and define key terminology related to online information sources.

• Validity Analysis: Assess the validity of healthcare websites based on authority, accuracy, objectivity, coverage, currency, and design.

• Peer Review: Comprehend the significance of peer review in healthcare journals.

Resources for Learning

• A variety of PDFs including:

  • A Deadly Infodemic

  • Buying Meds Online

  • Cancer Misinformation

  • Tackling Contraceptive Misinformation

Definitions of Key Terms

• Misinformation: False information spread without the intention to mislead.

• Disinformation: False information spread intentionally to deceive.

• Bias: Prejudice against a person or group, conscious or unconscious.

Problems with Online Health Information

• Accessibility Issues: Anyone can publish online content.

• Misleading Platforms: Social media's loud and unfiltered environments complicate discerning valid sources.

• Quality Standards: A lack of uniform quality standards for health information online.

Historical Misinformation Example

• War of the Worlds Broadcast (1938): Examines mass hysteria caused by Orson Welles' broadcast of an alien invasion, showcasing how misinformation can lead to panic.

Notable Disinformation Case: The Sun Newspaper (1989)

• The Sun's false reports following the Hillsborough disaster and their subsequent impact on public perception of football fans.

Modern-Day Disinformation Trends

• Fake News Warnings: Growing concerns over fake news proliferation in Ireland affecting public confidence.

• Social Media Impact: Social media often amplifies misleading information, with tech companies criticized for not effectively handling the problem.

Consequences of Misinformation

• Misinformation has serious consequences, including:

  • Erosion of trust in health systems and science.

  • Strain on healthcare systems.

  • Increased morbidity and mortality.

Role of Healthcare Professionals

• Healthcare professionals need to actively engage with patients and communities on misinformation.

• Collaborative efforts with local organizations are crucial for accurate health communication.

Where People Seek Health Information

• Sources:

  • Commercial websites (71.8%)

  • Search engines (11.6%)

  • Academically affiliated sites (11.1%)

  • Government-sponsored websites (5.5%)

• Information-seeking behaviors highlight a significant reliance on less credible sources, particularly among younger demographics.

Evaluating Online Health Information

• Key Questions:

  • Who published the information?

  • What is the funding source?

  • How is the information reviewed?

  • When was it last updated?

  • How is the privacy of personal information protected?

Domains of Online Health Resources

• Recognize different website domains (.gov, .edu, .org, .com) as indicators of credibility.

Assessment Criteria for Online Health Information

• Authority: Review qualifications and credibility of authors.

• Accuracy: Validate information against reliable sources.

• Objectivity: Ensure impartial presentation of information.

• Coverage: Evaluate comprehensiveness and audience needs.

• Currency: Confirm information is up-to-date.

• Design: Assess the design and navigation quality of websites.

Summary of Evaluation Criteria

• The Six Key Areas:

  • Authority

  • Accuracy

  • Objectivity

  • Coverage

  • Currency

  • Design

Regulatory Concerns

• The elimination of the Fairness Doctrine in the US has led to increased polarization in public discourse and declining news quality.

Psychological Factors Influencing Sharing of Misinformation

• Confirmation Bias: A tendency to accept information that supports existing beliefs.

• Cue-taking: Acceptance of claims from preferred leaders and media sources.

Health Misinformation Sharing Motivations

• People share health misinformation to connect socially, provide protection to loved ones, and make sense of their experiences.

Additional Perspectives on Disinformation

• The impact of online misinformation on vaccine hesitancy, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peer Review Process

• Peer review serves as a quality control mechanism in academic publications, ensuring validity, accuracy, and credibility of research.