Interprofessional Health Sciences Simulation Center
Interprofessional Health Sciences Simulation Center
Welcome to UAA College of Health Simulation Center—an innovative cornerstone within
our academic institution and a vital catalyst for transformative healthcare programs
across our university and community partnerships throughout the state.
Here, we endeavor to foster a dynamic environment where technology intersects with
academic rigor, driving the evolution of healthcare education and practice. Our commitment
lies in providing an immersive, experiential platform that empowers students, healthcare
professionals, and community partners to excel in their pursuits.
Our vision extends beyond the boundaries of conventional learning. We aspire to cultivate
a space where innovation thrives, simulations mimic real-life scenarios, and the fusion
of theory and practice cultivates a breed of healthcare professionals equipped to
tackle the complexities of today's healthcare landscape.
At UAA, computer science Professor Shawn Butler has been using machine learning to debunk COVID-19 misinformation on social media. Butler’s efforts are part of the Division of Population Health Sciences and Department of Journalism and Public Communication’s mission to combat COVID-19 misinformation on public-facing Facebook pages with scientifically accurate information from credited sources through its ongoing Alaska Public Health Information Response Team project.
Founding members of the Alaska Public Health Information Response Team submitted a book chapter proposal, entitled "Addressing Health Misinformation in the Infodemic Era: The Alaska Public Health Information Response Team," in the early spring of 2021 for consideration in a forthcoming book, "Building Health Misinformation Immunity: A Professional's Guide to Helping the Public," which was recently published.
A local group has been fighting inaccurate information on Facebook pages. Called the Alaska Public Health Information Response Team, it enlists UAA strategic communications students to spot the bad information, and local health professionals to intervene with posts on Facebook that introduce accurate information.
As the world continues to navigate this once-in-a-generation pandemic, new scientific breakthroughs are unearthed every day and are widely accessible online. Accompanying this free flow of information, however, is an increase of damaging misinformation, referred to by the World Health Organization as an Infodemic.
As misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic seemingly spills into almost every nook and cranny of the internet, some public health professionals in Alaska are countering false claims and myths in an embattled space: Facebook comment threads.