Activity 8
This activity involves you thinking critically about how the news media report on findings from health related research studies.
What to do
Identify a news item from the last six months which reports on the outcomes of a research study. Consider it from three different media sources.
Topic selected (open to suggestions, if not writer thinks this is not appropriate)
https://www.nhs.uk/news/obesity/alternate-day-fasting-may-help-aid-weight-loss/
Study – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413119304292?via%3Dihub
• Media Source 1 – Lose weight fast with the ‘alternate day fasting diet’ – and eat what you want half the time The Sun, 28 August 2019
• Media Source 2 – Extreme ‘caveman’ diet of fasting every other day may help overweight patients lose nearly 8lbs in just FOUR WEEKS, scientists claim Mail Online, 27 August 2019
• Media Source 3 – Alternate day fasting diet could be secret to longer life The Times (subscription required), 28 August 2019
Write a 2000 word account considering the following:
1. What could the impact of the research be on individuals?
2. What could the impact of the research be on the health system?
3. What implications could this research have on health policy?
4. How does the research relate to public health?
5. Are there any ethical considerations arising from any aspect of this research?
6. Which physiological systems does this research apply to?
7. How is the research reported within the different media sources? What impact could this have on the public perception of the research findings?
Using the evidence dropdown below upload your work as an asset.
Learning Outcomes
• Demonstrates an ability to critically examine media and consider the nature of research and impact of research reporting on service users, public health and society.
• Demonstrates the ability to critically interpret evidence and ensure accurate interpretation of research evidence.
Related NMC standard
• 1.7 Demonstrate an understanding of research methods, ethics and governance in order to critically analyse, safely use, share and apply research findings to promote and inform best nursing practice
• 2.10 Provide information in accessible ways to help people understand and make decisions about their health, life choices, illness and care
