29. How a Bogus Treatment Spreads in Healthville
29. How a Bogus Treatment Spreads in Healthville
In 2024, residents of the city of Healthville are misled by online medical advice from unverified sources. A blog post by a self-proclaimed health expert, Dr. Linda Smith, claiming a new "miracle cure" for cancer, goes viral. This leads to patients like John Miller disregarding professional medical advice in favor of this unproven treatment.
Individual outcomes
Individuals like John risk their health and miss out on effective treatments, worsening his condition and potentially losing his life. In the meantime, John is likely to invest a significant amount of resources in the hope of a miracle, rejects conventional treatment options and strains relationships at home.
Societal outcomes
Societally, this misinformation leads to public health risks and increased healthcare costs.
Competences involved in this scenario:
Social systems affected by this scenario:
M6. Claim verification
D4. Detection of digital deception
S4. Official and unofficial sources
Healthcare Systems
Regulatory Bodies
Media