Health Communication in the Era of Publicly Available Medical Information and Misinformation - SPOC

Course Information

Course Description

In today's digital environment, patients with cancer are exposed to vast amounts of publicly available medical information-much of which is incomplete, misleading, or outright false. Such misinformation can shape patients' perceptions, erode trust in healthcare providers, influence treatment decisions, and, in some cases, lead to delays in or rejection of evidence-based care. This practical seminar is designed for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals who work directly with patients with cancer. Drawing on recent research in patient-provider communication, infodemiology, and misinformation, the session will examine key definitions of misinformation in the context of cancer care, as well as the typical pathways through which patients encounter and rely on it. Participants will explore how communication style affects patients' trust in providers' opinions and, ultimately, their adherence to treatment recommendations. The seminar will also offer practical, evidencebased strategies for addressing misinformation in ways that preserve trust, support shared decision-making, and promote informed patient choices.

Learning Objectives

  • Strengthen providers' skills in recognizing and defining cancer misinformation for research and practice.
  • Understand the typical pathways of patients' misinformation exposure and its influence on patients' decisions.
  • Equip participants with evidence-based communication strategies to effectively correct misinformation while maintaining trust and supporting shared decision-making.

 

 

Course Documents

Handouts

 

Course Registration


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You must have an account and be logged in to register. Please contact us with any questions at [email protected] or (919) 445–1000.

 

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacist
  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy Tech
  • 1.00 ASRT
  • 1.00 NCPD/CNE
  • 1.00 Participation
Course opens: 
11/04/2025
Course expires: 
11/03/2027
Patient Centered Care Logo 

The Cancer Treatment in North Carolina: Patient Centered Care webinar series covers components of patient-centered health care delivery in cancer treatment and survivorship. The focus of this series is not disease-specific but includes discussion of approaches to improving care delivery for all cancer patients and survivors.

These webinars provide FREE continuing education credit.

Photo of Ilona Fridman, PhD 

Ilona Fridman, PhD

Assistant Professor
Center for Discovery and Innovation at Hackensack Meridian Health
Georgetown University

Available Credit

  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacist
  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy Tech
  • 1.00 ASRT
  • 1.00 NCPD/CNE
  • 1.00 Participation
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