Use of Twitter Amplifiers by Medical Professionals to Combat Misinformation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Social media is an important tool for disseminating accurate medical information and combating misinformation (ie, the spreading of false or inaccurate information) and disinformation (ie, spreading misinformation with the intent to deceive). The prolific rise of inaccurate information during a global pandemic is a pressing public health concern. In response to this phenomenon, health professional amplifiers such as IMPACT (Illinois Medical Professional Action Collaborative Team) have been created as a coordinated response to enhance public communication and advocacy around the COVID-19 pandemic.

The role of emergency physicians in the fight against health misinformation: Implications for resident training

“…Emergency physicians are obliged to be truthful with patients about their diagnoses and treatments. As professionals, we have an ethical duty to use our privileged position as licensed practitioners with specialized knowledge and clinical experience to make relevant health information available to the public, including combating misinformation from other health professionals 65,70,71 . Refraining from debunking when others—including other health professionals—spread misinformation is not just an abdication of our duty, but essentially cedes the “debate” to the purveyors of misinformation.…”

“…Additionally, social media engagement can lead to supportive community building among other health professionals that can provide much-needed support. 65,77 We recommend considering the source of misinformation and potential audience when debunking. For example, sharing a screenshot of a relevant part of a misinformation article along with the debunking information can provide the audience with the appropriate context and correct information, while potentially mitigating further exposure to misinformation by sharing the link to the source.…”

“…64 Finally, the Illinois Medical Professional Action Collaborative Team (IMPACT Team) utilized Twitter to combat misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. 65 Curriculum development is necessary to provide appropriate social media and misinformation training to physicians and residents.…”

“…Another group of residents produced COVID‐19 videos for a Chicago‐based WeChat group composed of 500 non–English‐speaking patients 64 . Finally, the Illinois Medical Professional Action Collaborative Team (IMPACT Team) utilized Twitter to combat misinformation during the COVID‐19 pandemic 65 …”

Physician and Biomedical Scientist Harassment on Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In a survey conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, 23.3% of physicians reported personal attacks on social media, primarily for public health advocacy on topics including firearms, vaccinations, and abortion access. 1 While the Surgeon General 2 encourages physicians and scientists to use social media to address misinformation, 3 concerns for harassment remain. [4][5][6] To our knowledge, no study has examined online harassment of physicians and scientists during the pandemic.…”