These 52 US doctors spread a heap of COVID-19 misinformation

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2023-08-16 01:00

International

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Fifty-two doctors in the US spread COVID-19 misinformation online about vaccines, treatments, and masks, and many had a wide reach based on their number of followers, according to US researchers. The study found that nearly one-third of the doctors belonged to organisations that have been spreading medical misinformation for decades, but these organisations became more vocal and visible in the context of the pandemic. The authors say the study’s findings suggest a need for rigorous evaluation of harm that may be caused by doctors, who hold a uniquely trusted position in society, propagating misinformation. They say ethical and legal guidelines for the propagation of misinformation are needed.

Media release

From: JAMA

Communication of COVID-19 Misinformation on Social Media by Physicians in the US

About The Study: In this study of high-use social media platforms, physicians from across the U.S. and representing a range of medical specialties were found to propagate COVID-19 misinformation about vaccines, treatments, and masks on large social media and other online platforms and that many had a wide reach based on number of followers.

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Research JAMA, Web page Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends).

Journal/
conference: JAMA Network Open

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: University of Massachusetts, USA

Funder: The study was funded via internal support by the University of Massachusetts (Dr Goff).

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