From Social Media to Peer Review: How Can we Evaluate Medical Content for Misinformation and Bias?

Authors

  • Chryssa McAlister, MD, MHSc, FRCSC
  • Hannah Chiu, MD, FRCSC
  • Amin Hatamnejad, BSc

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/cect.2023.2124

Abstract

Traditionally, ophthalmologists stay current by referring to peer reviewed papers found on scientific databases, such as PubMed, where rigorous publication standards reduce the potential for bias. We now access medical information from diverse online sources and social media allowing for fast-paced dissemination of content. Access to this rapidly evolving online information has allowed us to be more versed in our specialized knowledge than ever before. However, the rise of social media use in medicine may challenge the traditional methods aimed to limit misinformation and bias. How can we identify and evaluate bias when we access information from multiple disparate online sources in 2023?

Author Biographies

Chryssa McAlister, MD, MHSc, FRCSC

Dr. Chryssa McAlister is a comprehensive ophthalmologist in Kitchener, Ontario. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at University of Toronto and an Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) at McMaster University. She coordinates ophthalmology education for medical students and residents at the Waterloo Regional Campus and is involved in bioethics teaching for postgraduate ophthalmology training programs. Dr. McAlister has academic interests in bioethics and medical education.

Hannah Chiu, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Hannah Chiu is a comprehensive ophthalmologist in the Greater Toronto Area. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at University of Toronto and an Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) at McMaster University. Dr. Chiu is the Ophthalmology Lead for second year medical students and teaches University of Toronto and McMaster University medical students in her clinical practice. She is actively engaged in research and has presented at conferences and published in peer-review journals.

Amin Hatamnejad, BSc

Amin Hatamnejad is a medical student at McMaster University (Class of 2024) with a BSc in Kinesiology & Health Science. He has diverse research interests in ophthalmology including bioethics.

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Published

2023-02-01

How to Cite

1.
McAlister C, Chiu H, Hatamnejad A. From Social Media to Peer Review: How Can we Evaluate Medical Content for Misinformation and Bias?. Can Eye Care Today [Internet]. 2023 Feb. 1 [cited 2024 May 17];2(1):30–34. Available from: https://canadianeyecaretoday.com/article/view/2-1-5

Issue

Volume 2, Issue 1, February 2023

Section

Articles

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