Information Technology and Management, Misinformation, and the Impact on Patient Safety and Outcomes

Abstract

In the Republic of South Africa, it is a punishable crime to spread misinformation about COVID-19. In the United States of America, a minority of millions cry foul at any hint of infringement on their incorrectly perceived right to say whatever they want, whenever they want. Rather than creating further polarization of any specific population, the author will not delve into the worlds of political rhetoric or sensationalism. The author poses questions, discusses possible answers, and makes recommendations on the topics, including accountability and responsibility and the available options for fighting misinformation spread. The author also questions if there is any validity to the argument, “Misinformation can be directly linked to the deaths of millions, hospitalizations of tens of millions, and physical incapacitation of hundreds of millions more.”