Healthcare DIVE August 16, 2023
Some physicians played a role in spreading COVID-19 misinformation, often posting erroneous information on more than five social media platforms.
Dive Brief:
- One-third of COVID-19 related deaths, as of January, were considered preventable had public health recommendations been followed. A new JAMA study has found that over 50 U.S. physicians used social media to advocate against public health recommendations, posting misinformation and disinformation online.
- 81% of the physicians spreading COVID disinformation questioned vaccine efficacy and 77% posted multiple pieces of misinformation, including promoting medical treatments that lacked scientific evidence, disputing mask-wearing effectiveness and conspiracy theories.
- “This study’s findings suggest a need for rigorous evaluation of harm that may be caused by physicians, who hold a uniquely trusted position...
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