Media contributions
1Media contributions
Title Communicating Science in a Pandemic: Part 1 Degree of recognition International Media name/outlet CODA Change Media type Other Country/Territory Australia Date 27/04/22 Description Communicating scientific information as a health professional is far more than just posting healthcare tips online. What can & can’t be posted? Who do we really listen to? And who is allowed to say what?
DR JESSICA STOKES-PARISH CHATS WITH REGISTERED NURSES & SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITIES PENNY BLUNDEN (@sick.happens) & PARTICK MCMURRAY (@patmacrn) ABOUT THE BARRIERS FACING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH THEIR AUDIENCES ONLINE.
Picking up where Professor Tim Caulfield’s “Great Rejection” misinformation podcast left off, Dr Jessica Stokes-Parish unpacks the challenge of communicating accurate information via social media as a health professional, specifically nurses. Penny Blunden and Patrick McMurray both have successful, widely-followed social media accounts which they use to provide useful insights into healthcare to mass audiences.
Jessica states how in recent years, including during Covid, she saw a rise in scientific misinformation across social networks. Whilst there was a strong presence of doctors attempting to de-bunk these myths, input from nurses seemed to be far less visible. This is why she recruited Penny & Patrick for some authentic perceptions of the relationship between science and social media.
Both Penny & Patrick outline how their own unique experiences as health professionals led them to use social media to provide more accurate, helpful healthcare information. The group explore the role & presence of nurses online and what kind of content resonates most with audiences. They also unpack how the perception of nurses as second-rate healthcare providers left them without a strong voice for a long time - which is why online accounts like Penny’s & Patrick’s are so vital.
THE TRIO THEN DIVE INTO THE KEY BARRIERS WHICH THEY FACE AS ONLINE INFORMATION PROVIDERS.
Challenges ranging from imposter syndrome & judgement from colleagues to social media policies & regulations are all investigated. Patrick states that existing on social media in a “helpful and meaningful way” must remain top-of-mind.URL https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9zbWFjYzIwMTMubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M/episode/NjQ5OWIwMjktYzNhYi00YzI1LWFkNjUtYTU3ZTM4YTBjZjUy?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjgj5CK-uj7AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQCg&hl=en-AU Persons Jessica Stokes-Parish