Impact of the COVID-19 infodemic on frontline workers and health systems: analysis of story-telling approach for infodemic management
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World Health Organization
Abstract
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viii, 32 p.
This report analyses the impact of the COVID-19 infodemic on frontline workers and health systems through a story-based qualitative approach. Drawing on 68 interviews collected from infodemic managers and health professionals in 41 countries, the publication examines how misinformation, information overload and distrust affected health professionals, communities and public health responses during the pandemic. Contributors included staff from ministries of health, WHO offices, universities, civil society organizations and other public health institutions. The analysis explores the emotional, professional and social consequences of the infodemic, including stress, burnout, vaccine hesitancy, erosion of trust and challenges in communicating reliable information. The publication also examines responses to the infodemic, including awareness-raising activities, community engagement, social listening, digital communication strategies and WHO infodemic management training initiatives. It highlights the importance of contextual understanding, trusted communication and participatory approaches in strengthening public health responses. In addition, the publication evaluates storytelling as a tool for learning, evidence generation and infodemic management, emphasizing its value in capturing lived experiences and informing preparedness for future health emergencies.
This report analyses the impact of the COVID-19 infodemic on frontline workers and health systems through a story-based qualitative approach. Drawing on 68 interviews collected from infodemic managers and health professionals in 41 countries, the publication examines how misinformation, information overload and distrust affected health professionals, communities and public health responses during the pandemic. Contributors included staff from ministries of health, WHO offices, universities, civil society organizations and other public health institutions. The analysis explores the emotional, professional and social consequences of the infodemic, including stress, burnout, vaccine hesitancy, erosion of trust and challenges in communicating reliable information. The publication also examines responses to the infodemic, including awareness-raising activities, community engagement, social listening, digital communication strategies and WHO infodemic management training initiatives. It highlights the importance of contextual understanding, trusted communication and participatory approaches in strengthening public health responses. In addition, the publication evaluates storytelling as a tool for learning, evidence generation and infodemic management, emphasizing its value in capturing lived experiences and informing preparedness for future health emergencies.
Keywords
Infodemic, Social Media, Fear, Trust, COVID-19, Betacoronavirus, Disease Outbreaks, Pandemics, Pandemic Preparedness, Risk Management, Health Personnel, Health Communication, Health Promotion, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Resilience, Psychological, Evidence-Based Medicine, Information Sources, Health Information Management