Young people at risk from contraceptive misinformation on social media
Sexual health charity Brook is raising concerns about contraceptive misinformation on social media.
It says young people rely on social media more and more, and it can be a vital source of information and support.
However, recent evidence suggests some social media influencers are sharing inaccurate, misleading and potentially harmful information about contraception.
For example, labelling hormonal contraception dangerous and advocating natural methods, without education on how to use such methods effectively.
Read the full post via the Brook website here.
New infographic focuses on story-telling from lived experience in the co-production model
The power of story-telling from lived experience is the theme of a new image from the Coalition for Personalised Care (C4PC).
The aim of The Cycle of Co-production concept illustrated in the graphic is to break down barriers to good co-production.
The work is a continuation of C4PC’s 2020 co-production model.
Now the team is asking for feedback about its latest idea.
Read more and feedback via the C4PC’s website here.
Study: Monkeypox pandemic and stigmatisation of gay and bisexual men on social media
Global discussion of the monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak on social media is stigmatising gay and bisexual men who have sex with men, warn researchers.
Analysis of 125,424 Twitter and Facebook posts related to Mpox and the 2SLGBTQIAP+ community from May 1 to December 25, 2022, found wide-spread stigmatisation.
Researchers say this creates a highly vulnerable population, widens disparities, increases discrimination, and accelerates the spread of the virus.
It is hoped identifying the hot spots and key topics of the related Tweets will help decision makers and health officials inform more targeted policies.
Read the full study findings via the JMIR website here.
Sign up to include race equality in health research standards
A new National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) blog says health research organisations should sign up to race equality measures for public involvement in research.
The blog was published to mark one-year since the publication of NIHR’s Race Equality Framework.
Why research inclusion leads to better outcomes: An Asian women’s perspective says using the framework to build diversity and inclusion into research standards will help ensure health and care services are fit for everyone.
Read the blog and find out more about the Race Equality Framework via the NIHR website here.
Patients missing out on pharmacy services
Half of patients do not know about all the healthcare services community pharmacies can provide, a survey has revealed.
This means they are missing out on the chance to use services that are often more accessible than busy GP surgeries or hospitals.
The pharmaphorum survey found knowledge of services like chlamydia screening and treatment was as low as 13%.
It calls for increased public education and awareness campaigns, policy change, and the use of technology to improve access to pharmacy services.
Read more about the survey on the pharmaphorum website here.
Website relaunch allows upload of case studies and articles
NHS Networks members can now use new features for sharing ideas and practice on a relaunched website.
This includes uploading blogs, case studies and other articles directly onto the site.
NHS Networks is a free virtual networking platform and news portal for health and social care.
It is for anyone working in or with the health and care sector.
Visit the new NHS Networks website here.
Register with Be Part of Research
UK adults can now register an interest in taking part in a range of health and social care research.
Research volunteers can register by setting up a free account on the Be Part of Research website.
Volunteers in England can also use the NHS App.
Registered people will be matched to suitable research studies taking place near them.
Set up your account and register on the UK-wide Be Part of Research website here.
Get involved: NICE committees seek experts
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is looking for people to join committees developing and updating their guidance.
Current vacancies for healthcare and related professionals include committees on breathlessness guidelines and maternal and child nutrition.
Find out more and apply to join a NICE committee here.
Awards: Enter your success story today
Competition for the 2023 HSJ awards is hotting up. There are already more than 600 entries.
The awards aim to celebrate healthcare service success stories. Entry is open until 2 June.
Find out more about the awards and how to enter on the HSJ website here.
Event: Join co-production in action webinar
The Shine a Light on Co-production May Event takes place on 17 May.
The free 1.5-hour webinar is from NHS England’s The Experience of Care Team.
It will feature 2 examples of best practice in co-production.