A historically challenging problem presents ‘an urgent task for the nursing profession.’

“Every epidemic of the past has produced improbable facts, confusing rumors, and conspiracy theories,” observed Nancy Tomes, PhD, a history professor at Stony Brook University. She was presenting a lecture at an online meeting of the New York Academy of Medicine in late October. Tomes examined the way misinformation and disinformation during the current pandemic echoes that of past public health crises, from the 1665 outbreak of the bubonic plague in London to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic.

“Misinformation, epidemics, and media revolutions have historically gone hand in hand,” she pointed out, adding:

“One of the most distressing aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the damage done by the easy circulation of false and misleading information.”

Social media as a vector for the spread of misinformation.

The widespread dissemination of such information during the current crisis has been facilitated by the near-omnipresence of social media. This month’s Ethical Issues column in AJN focuses on the way some nurses are engaging in misinformation about COVID on social media (and other) platforms. In “Nurses Spreading Misinformation” (free until January 15), author Pamela Grace, PhD, RN, FAAN, argues that immediate action and education are needed.

“Correcting unethical behavior on social media is an urgent task for the nursing profession. It’s critically important that we help nurses prioritize professional values over personal ones when posting or disseminating health information in any arena.”

She notes that “[i]n a majority of cases, the spread of disinformation by nurses is not intentional and may be the result of trying to facilitate patient or societal good and avoid harm.” The person simply grasps onto an idea or piece of information or theory that makes sense to them; at other times, however, “misinformation might be spread knowingly, because of firmly held beliefs . . . ”

Holding nurses accountable for the information they provide.

Whatever the motive, Grace argues, “all nurses must rigorously evaluate the validity and completeness of their knowledge. We must question how we know what we think we know.”

The ethical urgency of doing so was made clear with the publication of a recent policy brief from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and several leading nursing organizations. According to “Policy Statement: Dissemination of Non-scientific and Misleading COVID-19 Information by Nurses”:

“When identifying themselves by their profession, nurses are professionally accountable for the information they provide to the public. Any nurse who violates their state nurse practice act or threatens the health and safety of the public through the dissemination of misleading or incorrect information pertaining to COVID-19, vaccines and associated treatment through verbal or written methods including social media may be disciplined by their board of nursing. Nurses are urged to recognize that dissemination of misinformation not only jeopardizes the health and well-being of the public, but may place their license and career in jeopardy as well.”

Strategies for responding to misinformation by nurses.

In her article, Grace provides general strategies for addressing misinformation, as well as specific recommendations for educators and nurse leaders and managers: “All of us need to be alert to problematic postings and address these from all available angles.”

Transparency aids credibility.

She also highlights the need for transparency, particularly during uncertain or quickly developing health crises:

“There are, of course, times when new findings emerge, revealing that the evidence we have is incomplete or even faulty, so it’s important to be transparent about the strength of our knowledge. When reliable knowledge is not available, transparency about what is known and not known is critical.”