BUS FPX 4127 Assessment 2 Examining Health or Medical Information

Student Name

Capella University

BUS-FPX4127 Evidence-Based Health Care Management

Prof. Name:

Date

Examining Health or Medical Information

The dissemination of health and medical information regarding the coronavirus has given rise to widespread misconceptions. Since its emergence in 2019, misinformation about the virus’s spread, prevention, and treatment has proliferated, especially among Americans navigating the pandemic’s challenges. This issue has had profound effects on public health and the healthcare industry.

Coronavirus Information: Publication and Evaluation

Information about the coronavirus has been widely shared through multiple platforms, including social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, as well as other online articles. Unfortunately, many of these sources have contributed to the spread of false information. Misleading claims, such as ineffective hand sanitizers and speculation about the virus being eradicated in warmer weather, have fueled public misconceptions. For example, some falsely argued that antibacterial hand sanitizers were ineffective due to the virus’s properties (Waterfield, 2020). Similarly, unfounded assertions regarding the virus’s susceptibility to heat were debunked by health authorities (Waterfield, 2020).

Validity of Information Sources

The credibility of information shared on social media platforms is often questionable. These platforms frequently prioritize user engagement, such as likes and shares, over accuracy. Consequently, misinformation frequently overshadows credible sources, leading individuals to act on false information (Mian & Khan, 2020). This reliance on unreliable information has sometimes had tragic outcomes. For instance, cases of alcohol poisoning were reported after individuals consumed alcohol as a supposed cure for COVID-19 (Waterfield, 2020).

Negative Effects on Community Health

Social media has significantly contributed to the spread of misinformation, creating panic and confusion in communities. False claims and rumors have caused fear and uncertainty, resulting in behaviors such as panic buying and shortages of essential supplies (Merchant & Lurie, 2020). Furthermore, these inaccurate messages have perpetuated misunderstandings about the virus’s transmission and susceptibility, deepening the public health crisis.

Impact on Healthcare Industry

The spread of misinformation has serious implications for the healthcare industry. False narratives have fueled fear and paranoia, often discouraging individuals from seeking timely medical care. Media coverage of extreme cases and worst-case scenarios exacerbates public anxiety, hindering efforts to manage the pandemic effectively (Mian & Khan, 2020). To address this, healthcare organizations must focus on distributing accurate information from credible entities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This approach can mitigate the negative effects of misinformation and protect the well-being of both patients and healthcare workers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the widespread dissemination of misinformation about the coronavirus has created significant challenges for public health and the healthcare industry. The reliance on unreliable sources has exacerbated confusion and fear, necessitating efforts to promote information from credible sources like the CDC. By fostering critical information literacy and prioritizing accuracy, society can combat the harmful effects of misinformation and safeguard public health.

References

Merchant, R. M., & Lurie, N. (2020). Social media and emergency preparedness in response to novel coronavirus. JAMA. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.4469

Mian, A., & Khan, S. (2020). Coronavirus: the spread of misinformation. BMC Medicine, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-020-01556-3

Suciu, P. (n.d.). COVID-19 misinformation remains difficult to stop on social media. Forbes. Retrieved August 2, 2020, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/petersuciu/2020/04/17/covid-19-misinformation-remains-difficult-to-stop-on-social-media/#7659b4aa4819