Medical journalism: a primer for healthcare professionals and journalists in the artificial intelligence era.
| Title: | Medical journalism: a primer for healthcare professionals and journalists in the artificial intelligence era. |
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| Authors: | Cerri A; Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy.; Boni M; Press Office, National IRCCS Cardiology Network, Milan, Italy.; Giamundo DM; Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy.; Biondi-Zoccai G; Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy - gbiondizoccai@gmail.com.; Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Cotignola, Ravenna, Italy.; Mereta F; La Repubblica, Rome, Italy.; Cesaroni R; SkyTg24, Milan, Italy.; DE Bac M; Corriere della Sera, Rome, Italy.; Versaci F; Division of Cardiology, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy. |
| Source: | Minerva medica [Minerva Med] 2026 Apr 15. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Apr 15. |
| Publication Model: | Ahead of Print |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Edizioni Minerva Medica Country of Publication: Italy NLM ID: 0400732 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1827-1669 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00264806 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Minerva Med Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: Torino : Edizioni Minerva Medica |
| Abstract: | Medical journalism is undergoing rapid renewal in a digital environment that accelerates discovery, conversation, and scrutiny across borders. Its purpose extends beyond transmitting facts, aiming to transform evidence into comprehension and comprehension into responsible action for individuals, institutions, and policy. Journalists curate credibility by verifying claims, contextualizing uncertainty, and translating complex study designs, while clinicians expand their societal role by communicating clearly beyond clinical settings. Collaboration between these communities strengthens public understanding and aligns scientific accuracy with narrative clarity, particularly when stakes are high. Ethical foundations remain central: accuracy, independence, transparency, respect for privacy, and avoidance of harm guide reporting choices that shape trust. Interpreting evidence requires attention to design quality, bias, effect size, and clinical relevance, presenting findings in plain language without sensational framing. Healthcare institutions and research centers must also act as reliable anchors within this ecosystem, providing transparent, verifiable data and methodological clarity to support responsible communication. The infodemic challenges all participants, as misinformation spreads quickly through emotionally charged content and algorithmic amplification that reward novelty over truth. Restoring trust calls for humility, timely corrections, consistent messages, and investment in media literacy for citizens and professionals. Artificial intelligence (AI) introduces powerful capabilities for discovery, summarization, personalization, and verification, yet also new risks such as hidden bias and synthetic content. A responsible medical media ecosystem demands shared literacy, collaborative practice, and ethical stewardship today. In this regard, medical communication must increasingly be regarded as a public good, sustained by the joint responsibility of journalists, clinicians, healthcare institutions, and citizens. |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260415 Latest Revision: 20260415 |
| Update Code: | 20260415 |
| DOI: | 10.23736/S0026-4806.26.09871-X |
| PMID: | 41983961 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Journal Article