Fake News: Medicines Misinformation by the Media

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Dec;104(6):1059-1061. doi: 10.1002/cpt.1199. Epub 2018 Sep 16.

Abstract

Mainstream broadcasting media is a potentially powerful avenue for disseminating wellness education. For example, it can be used for community-based risk management, including preparing for pandemic events. The media can have a considerable positive impact on the public by increasing their health knowledge, changing attitudes and intentions, and influencing health behavior. However, although the broadcasting media can usefully convey prosocial, healthy messages, there is also a risk of propagating incorrect and antisocial, poor public health information.

MeSH terms

  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Health Communication*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Information Dissemination*
  • Mass Media*
  • Medication Adherence
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Patient Safety
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / administration & dosage*
  • Truth Disclosure*

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations