Communicating Science in a Pandemic: Part 1

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.

Tune in to this unique, insightful take on science communication through social media with Jessica Stokes-Parish.

Tune in to this unique, insightful take on science communication through social media with Jessica Stokes-Parish. Communicating Science in a Pandemic (Pt 1).

For more like this, head to our podcast page. #CodaPodcast