Matthew Regulski, DPM, FFPM, RCPS (Glasgow)1, Patricia
Stevenson, DNP, ACNS, CWS2
1Ocean County Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, P.C. 54
Bey Lea Rd., Toms River, NJ 08753, USA.
2Next Science LLC, 10550 Deerwood Park Blvd, Suite 300,
Jacksonville, FL 32256, USA
Corresponding
author: Matthew Regulski; Ocean County Foot
& Ankle Surgical Associates, P.C. 54 Bey Lea Rd., Toms River, NJ 08753,
USA. Email: mregulski@comcast.net; Phone: 609-276-7423.
Citation: Matthew
Regulski, Patricia Stevenson (2024). Buyer Beware: Misinformation in the
Healthcare Industry – What Can Clinicians Do?. World J Case Rep Clin Imag. 2024
Mar-Apr;3(1)1-5.
Copyrights © 2024, Matthew Regulski, et al. This article
is licensed under the Creative Commons
Attribution-Non-Commercial-4.0-International-License-(CCBY-NC)
(https://worldjournalofcasereports.org/blogpage/copyright-policy). Usage and
distribution for commercial purposes require written permission.
ABSTRACT
In today's healthcare landscape, the exchange of
medical information between physicians and industry is crucial for advancing
knowledge and improving patient care. However, this collaboration also
introduces challenges, including the potential for bias and misinformation.
Amidst efforts to navigate the post-COVID-19 healthcare environment and
maintain market competitiveness, the prevalence of misinformation has become
increasingly evident (Ecker, 2022). This article explores the impact of
misinformation in the medical industry, particularly concerning its drivers and
persistence. Through an analysis of psychological and behavioral factors, the
authors identify fear as a primary driver of bias, leading to the dissemination
of inaccurate information (Tannenbaum, 2015). Additionally, deliberate efforts
to manipulate narratives and facts contribute to the endurance of
misinformation, posing significant risks to patient safety and healthcare
integrity (Ecker, 2022). The authors highlight various methods employed to
deliver misinformation, including social media, professional collaborations,
and selective data sharing. These tactics obscure truth and hinder informed
decision-making among healthcare practitioners (Rea, 2017). Despite the
challenges posed by misinformation, the authors propose practical solutions for
clinicians, emphasizing the importance of research, critical analysis, and
collaboration with trusted sources to verify information and safeguard patient
care (Wu, 2018). This comprehensive exploration of misinformation in the
healthcare industry underscores the critical role of healthcare practitioners
in combatting false narratives and ensuring the integrity of medical
information. By equipping clinicians with the tools to discern truth from
misinformation, this article aims to promote evidence-based practice and uphold
the highest standards of patient care.
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