Rebuilding Trust in Science: A Path Forward

Megan L. Ranney, MD MPH, an emergency physician and dean of Yale School of Public Health, and Katelyn Jetelina, MPH PhD, an epidemiologist, advisor to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and author of Your Local Epidemiologist, shared an alarming story. A colleague of theirs had a patient who was postponing a crucial colonoscopy, despite having a strong family history of colon cancer. The reason behind this hesitation was a false rumor circulating online, suggesting that doctors were secretly administering Covid-19 vaccines to patients while they were sedated. Despite numerous attempts to explain why this rumor was untrue, the patient remained unconvinced.

Megan Ranney

Megan Ranney's contribution shed light on a prevailing issue in America. Recent years have witnessed a decline in childhood vaccinations for diseases such as diphtheria and tetanus, coupled with an alarming increase in non-medical exemptions for routine vaccinations during kindergarten. Additionally, skepticism surrounding climate change is on the rise, and the spread of misinformation regarding reproductive health has been identified as the upcoming "infodemic."

Dr. Katelyn Jetelina

Courtesy of Katelyn Jetelina

This illustrates a big problem: a growing mistrust of science, medicine and public health.

Results:

The recent survey from Pew Research Center has confirmed our own observations, indicating a decline in public trust in scientists and a reduced belief in the positive influence of science on society. This decline has been a concern for various organizations, including Pew, KFF, and Annenberg, who have been warning about this trend for years. Unfortunately, the data reveals that certain sociodemographic groups are affected more severely than others.

It is crucial to address this issue of trust in science to ensure a positive future. Without taking action, we face potential challenges such as another pandemic, a climate catastrophe, or a biosecurity threat like anthrax. If we fail to resolve this trust problem, the consequences could be dire. Imagine a scenario where scientific innovation is no longer supported, leading to a halt in the significant advancements we have made in human health. Additionally, if more Americans refuse vaccinations for their children or if public health institutions are forced to close, the ramifications would be severe.

Its a scary, dystopian vision of the future.

But luckily, it doesnt have to be that way.

We can find a small silver lining in the Pew data where trust in scientists, physicians, and science itself remains higher than the trust Americans have in elected officials or journalists. To take advantage of this, we should enhance the training of health professionals and scientists, including doctors, nurses, EMTs, public health workers, pharmacists, and researchers, in effective communication techniques. We should also focus on teaching how to present science in a relatable way through real stories, using simple language to explain its meaning and how it positively impacts human lives.

A poster supporting nurses is displayed at a nurses' station on a Covid-19 patient care floor at Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Community Hospital in the Willowbrook neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Inside the hospital, a line of elderly Hispanic men lie in induced comas, connected to ventilators, while nurses wearing respirators resembling spacesuits diligently monitor their devices in the unsettling silence. This intensive care unit, located in one of the city's most impoverished areas, is accustomed to death, but with Los Angeles now at the epicenter of the Covid pandemic in the United States, medical professionals state that they have never witnessed such a devastating situation.

A Proposed Solution to Address America's Nursing Shortage

However, resolving the issue of trust goes beyond the involvement of scientists and healthcare providers alone. These professionals are already overwhelmed and subjected to alarming levels of workplace violence. Research conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals that the public health workforce has decreased by 50% in the past two years. The dissemination of falsehoods is more prominent, widespread, and accessible compared to truthful and transparent messages. Thus, relying solely on scientists and healthcare providers is inadequate.

There is more good news to share. Various groups have different messengers they trust. Teachers, businesses, and family members can have a significant influence. In fact, during the pandemic, conversations with family and friends led to a change of mind about vaccination for over 20% of unvaccinated individuals. When it comes to personal safety, gun owners may trust the military and law enforcement more than physicians. Cultural similarity is also important, especially for groups that have faced discrimination.

These natural networks can have positive impacts, regardless of demographics, political affiliation, education level, or state. It is crucial that we collectively invest the time to listen to, respect, and empower our communities.

During the pandemic, non-health professionals formed networks to distribute evidence-based information on Covid-19 vaccines. These networks were established and supported at various levels, ranging from a state-wide initiative in West Virginia, to local initiatives like IHeard in St. Louis, Missouri, and community response teams in Marin County, California. These networks have the potential to be utilized for communication on other public health issues, such as opioids. Efforts like Connecticut's DataHaven demonstrate how urban neighborhoods can participate in collecting and analyzing health data. Additionally, communication partnerships like Yale's Climate Change Communication project offer promising examples. We can all learn to comprehend and share the latest news in ways that are engaging and inclusive. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter.

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Social media can also play a role in this. The National Academy of Medicine, in partnership with the Council for Medical Specialty Societies and the World Health Organization (in which Dr. Ranney was involved), provided guidelines for social media companies to identify and promote "credible health messengers" - both professionals and everyday individuals who volunteer their time to create content. We commend companies like YouTube for prioritizing this effort and hope that more companies will follow suit.

By combining factual information with personal stories, we can provide tangible examples of how science and public health protect us, which in turn builds trust. This goes beyond just vaccines and treatments; it includes things like access to clean water, clean air, reliable brake systems, smoke-free areas, over-the-counter pregnancy tests, and MRI machines. Each of these discoveries, policies, and technologies contribute to our overall health and safety. Many of us have personal narratives demonstrating how we have benefited from them.

In order to enhance trust in science within the United States, it is crucial for all of us to become public health communicators. Sharing data with the public and establishing trust with communities are integral aspects of scientific advancements. It is imperative that our training and actions align with this goal.