Information and Misinformation
How can we separate fact from fiction, when there are so many conflicting sources of COVID-19 information out there? Begin by selecting a reliable source. Focus on reputable healthcare organizations, government agencies, or academic research sites. The links listed below are some good examples. Avoid sources that have a political, religious, commercial or other type of agenda -- even if it's one you personally agree with. These days it's not easy to find unbiased facts. But that's your goal.
Once you've selected a source, stick with it. When you see conflicting numbers between websites, that doesn't always mean that one is wrong. Different organizations often use different methods of measurement and reporting. But using the same source consistently should give you a clearer picture of relative increases and decreases. Then you can use your evidence-based practice skills to analyze and evaluate the data.
State Statistics: Indiana COVID-19 Dashboard
Homepage for daily COVID-19 stats and updates from the Indiana State Department of Health:
U.S. Statistics: CDC COVID Data Tracker
Homepage for daily U.S. COVID stats and updates from the Centers for Disease Control:
World Statistics: World Health Organization
The dashboard of the World Health Organziation provides an even broader look at the global spread of COVID-19:
COVID-19 Training for Nurses
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has developed several free COVID-19 courses for student nurses, new graduates, nurses returning to the workfoce, and for those who may be interested in learning more about the COVID-19 pandemic. They are online, self-paced and free of charge. Three of them provide CE credit.
The courses include:
- Epidemiology and Modes of Transmission of COVID-19
- Care of the Patient with COVID-19
- Legal and Ethical Issues related to COVID-19
- Hoaxes to Avoid during the COVID-19 Pandemic
There are also additional resources such as how to don and doff PPE.
The courses can be accessed through CHROME at the following website:
https://catalog.icrsncsbn.org.
JAMA Free Research & Resources
Browse the COVID-19 collection from the Journal of the American Medical Association,
including Q&A sessions with NIAID's Anthony Fauci, up-to-date studies and articles
regarding coronavirus, and past publications on vaccine development, infection control,
and public health preparedness.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/pages/coronavirus-alert