SCCM Resource Library-Pro/Con Debate: Should Critical Care Clinicians Use Social Media for Advocacy in Public Health?

Pro/Con Debate: Should Critical Care Clinicians Use Social Media for Advocacy in Public Health?

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The discussion highlights the pros and cons of using social media for public health advocacy among clinicians. On the "con" side, Dr. Anne-Marie Brown raised concerns about the potential negative consequences of social media use, such as misinformation and professional backlash, exemplified by a clinician facing opposition after advocating for controversial bills. Despite the power of rapid information dissemination, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians are not obligated to use social media for advocacy, and doing so can blur the lines between personal and professional lives, risking conflicts with their institutions or exposing them to attacks from trolls or bots.<br /><br />Conversely, Dr. Deanna Behrens advocated for social media as a powerful tool for clinicians to disseminate accurate information, combat misinformation, and drive policy change. She noted that health professionals can leverage their credibility to influence public discourse and policies, pointing to campaigns such as "This Is Our Lane," which galvanized healthcare workers on gun violence issues. Social media also facilitates networking and amplifies expert voices, thus expanding the reach of advocacy efforts beyond traditional media. Despite risks, the platform supports significant advancements in public health advocacy when used responsibly.

Asset Caption

One-Hour Concurrent Session | Pro/Con Debate: Should Critical Care Clinicians Use Social Media for Advocacy in Public Health?

Meta Tag

Content Type Presentation

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Select

Year 2024

Keywords

social media

public health advocacy

clinicians

misinformation

professional backlash

policy change

networking

COVID-19 pandemic

	Society of Critical Care Medicine 500 Midway Drive Mount Prospect, IL 60056 USA Phone: +1 847 827-6888 Fax: +1 847 439-7226 Email: support@sccm.org	Contact Us About SCCM Newsroom Advertising & Sponsorship DONATE	MySCCM LearnICU Patients & Families Surviving Sepsis Campaign Critical Care Societies Collaborative	GET OUR NEWSLETTER
© Society of Critical Care Medicine. All rights reserved. \| Privacy Statement \| Terms & Conditions The Society of Critical Care Medicine, SCCM, and Critical Care Congress are registered trademarks of the Society of Critical Care Medicine.