Social Image of Nurse in Medical Dramas in Pre and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study

Abstract

In multimedia, nurses are absent or often shown with any specific competence, totally far away from the actual context. Changes and evolution in the profession are not represented by the social image on the screen which strongly shows a doctor-centric clinical knowledge and responsibility. Considering the COVID-19 Pandemic brings significant media attention to medical staff, we analyze the television medical dramas before and after the Pandemic. The medical drama with the highest sharing index has been analyzed using an observational checklist, including 1) the nurse's presence and characteristics, 2) the role played within the format (main character, secondary character, and appearance) and the main character's features (when present), 3) the acting skills, 4) relationship dynamics in the work context (team and patient), 5) the impact on welfare and health and 6) the respect of the deontological aspects. The result implies that the image of nursing remains obsolete and linked to gender or subordination stereotypes. Heroes in white uniforms are presented in the news for a while, but too soon stigmatized. Therefore, it is necessary to start creating consciousness of the social image of nursing professionals to alert the media power and its related risks and, but above all, to use them as a resource of change.