Partnering with media practitioners to disseminate high-quality research evidence

Article type
Authors
Chibuzor M1
1Cochrane Nigeria, Institute of Tropical Diseases Research and Prevention Calabar
Abstract
Background: The media roundtable is a collaboration between the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Cochrane Nigeria to share ‘breaking news’ evidence from Cochrane Reviews with media practitioners.

Objectives:
• promote evidence-based healt care reporting among Nigerian media practitioners;
• disseminate up-to-date, relevant and evidence-based healthcare information from systematic reviews to the Nigerian public through the media; and,
• enlighten reporters about evidence-based healthcare.

Methods: The initiative, which began in 2012, consists of short presentations and discussions held 1-2 times a year on topical Cochrane reviews and dissemination of Cochrane Wiley press releases to media practitioners monthly. We have had seven media roundtable events and disseminated more than 45 press releases. Below are the outcomes of a cross section of these programmes.

Results: 23 July 2013, Impact of Salt Reduction on Hypertension , worms in children: 13 participants from 9 National, 1 TV station and 1 radio station) –2 Newspaper articles 21 October 2014, Pneumonia and vaccines for Pneumonia; 15 participants (2 local,12 National newspapers, 1 radio and 1 television) 6 newspaper articles and 1 radio programme, 12 January 2016, Chronic kidney disease: 20 participant: (2 local, 12 National, 2 television stations and 1 radio station) 8 newspaper article and 1 Television broadcast.

Conclusions: The media roundtables have led to dissemination of Cochrane reviews to the general public. In addition, participants have reported that the presentations have improved their knowledge. However, one of the participants said that they would like us to handle peculiar problems facing Nigerians such as the use of herbal medicines.