title: The dynamics of rumours in the clinical setting.
abstract: In this article the social and psychological aspects of rumours are considered. The authors place rumours in a wider social context using definitions of different types of rumour before focusing on the nature of rumours in the healthcare environment. Some of the positive and negative consequences of rumours are examined and strategies which can help to minimise the spread of the misinformation characteristically contained in hospital rumours are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Bethel College, Mishawaka, Indiana.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Davidhizar
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dowd
mesh_terms: D008192:Deception; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory; D011406:Propaganda