Nurses warn they are having to “constantly” battle misinformation spread on social media
Want LBC stories before everyone else? Set us as your Preferred Source on GoogleNurses warn they are having to “constantly” battle misinformation as social media muddies public understanding of ADHD and autism, damaging morale and leaving staff on the “front line of confusion, fear and scepticism".
Speaking at the Royal College of Nursing’s annual congress, nurses said long waiting lists, complex symptoms and an unstable political climate were pushing patients towards unreliable online sources for clinical advice.was having a direct impact on frontline staff, with one RCN nurse describing the constant need to correct false claims as “emotionally exhausting and time-consuming”. Charlotte Glynn, chair of the union’s Women’s Health Forum, told delegates: “While myths and misinformation have always existed in healthcare, the speed and reach of online information today means that false and sometimes dangerous claims can spread to large audiences almost instantly.
”social media has created a surge in demand for services in autism and ADHD. She said platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have helped people have “open conversations and reduced stigma” but also “heightened expectations” and in some cases have led to a “misunderstanding of what ADHD and autism truly are”. , complex presentations, and a growing pressure to deliver rapid answers in a system designed for thoughtful, evidence-based assessment.
It affects morale, retention, and the emotional labour that we carry.
“For patients, social media can shape expectations in ways that don’t always align with clinical reality. Many arrive hoping for instant diagnoses or instant treatment, and more importantly, instant transformation.
”Annafleur van Mourik Broekman, who works in public health education specialising in vaccination, told delegates she deals with the impact of“I think we’re seeing the tip of the iceberg now, and I fear we’re not prepared for what is to come,” Ms Mourik Broekman said.content has been identified as a significant risk to public health in multiple scientific studies, and has potential to deliver personalised information and advice. I think this is a threat we should take really, really seriously.
" Responding to the debate, Professor Lynn Woolsey, chief nursing officer at the Royal College of Nursing, said: “There has been a worrying rise in health misinformation online and via social media in recent years, which is a direct threat to patient safety. “Patients are being misinformed and left confused, while nursing staff are too often having to correct misinformation.
It is leading to dangerous consequences for patients, including “Nursing staff are highly educated clinical experts, but they need support in challenging the rise in health misinformation. It cannot be left to nursing staff alone to push back on dangerous narratives and misinformation. ” A protester holds up a placard at a demonstration against vaccinations and government restrictions designed to fight the spread of coronavirus in 2020.
Peace Yaa Akorli, of the RCN’s eastern region, said: “Nurses are increasingly placed on the front line of confusion, fear, and public scepticism.
“As nurses, we are often the first person patients turn to for reassurance and clarity. But constantly correcting misinformation can be emotionally exhausting, time consuming and, at times, damaging the trust between the healthcare professionals and the community.
“This has a direct impact on the nursing workforce; increased stress, burnout, verbal abuse, and frustration contribute to low morale and“Nurses are expected to not only provide safe clinical care, but also to fight an ongoing battle against myths and false narratives. ” However, Ms Akorli said the situation is also an “opportunity” for nurses, who can “rebuild the trust and empower patients too with accurate information”.
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