Ally, advocate, analyst, agenda-setter? Positions and perceptions of Swedish medical journalists

Abstract

Medical journalists in the mass media play a key role in health information dissemination and risk/benefit education. Public education on the rational use of various health technologies, e.g. pharmaceuticals, is increasingly important as part of ongoing global health sector reforms. In a survey of 110 Swedish medical journalists (55% response rate) about medicinal drugs, risk perceptions and professional concerns, fact-giving, stimulating, and critical functions were rated as the most important journalist role attributes, followed by advocacy of patient interests and of public health goals. Major perceived problems were self-imposed professional demands, job stress, knowledge and time constraints, and selection and contextualization of news material. In terms of medicinal drugs, attitudes were strongly in favor of a unique drug information role for the media and critical of physician prescribing and information-giving. Views on the appropriateness of specific ethical rules or guidelines for medical journalists were sharply divided. The results offer some promise for increased alliance-building between public health and the mass media.