University of Illinois Cancer Center member Shikha Jain, MD, FACP, is the author of an invited commentary published by the journal JAMA Network Open.
Jain weighs in on a case series report that explored through the lens of social media the impact of NFL football player Damar Hamlin’s sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and resuscitation during a live televised game.
The authors of the case series report, also published in JAMA Network Open, “analyzed social media users’ sentiments toward Mr. Hamlin’s SCA and provide insight into the range of emotions spectators potentially experience witnessing SCA, with focus on whether his resuscitation prompted interest in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AEDs (automated external defibrillators).”
Jain Commentary Says
Jain notes the report authors “suggest this was a missed opportunity for public health education during and after the event on the utility of CPR and AED use.
“Traditional medical school training has not typically included education on public health messaging using innovative pathways, such as social media engagement and initiatives. With the rapid dissemination of misinformation that can occur on these platforms, as seen during this national event witnessed by millions, the need to provide education on incorporating these types of skills into health care workers’ toolbelts cannot be emphasized enough. There are effective strategies that can be used to amplify evidence-based information, fight misinformation, and create effective public health campaigns,” Jain wrote.