Finding the Voices: Representation of Nurses in Dutch Newspaper Media Between 2019 and 2022

Aim

To explore how nurses were represented in five Dutch newspapers between 2019 and 2022, with a focus on their visibility in policy and decision-making.

Background

The media significantly shape public understanding of healthcare. Despite their key role, nurses are often underrepresented in media, especially in policy-related coverage. This study addresses this gap in the Dutch context.

Methods

Directed content analysis of 272 articles published between 2019 and 2022 across five high-circulation Dutch newspapers. A coding instrument was developed from existing literature and applied using Atlas.ti. ENTREQ criteria were followed throughout.

Results

Nurses were least often cited in articles about policy, finance, and innovation. Senior leadership sources, predominantly male, were cited most frequently, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses were more commonly cited in human-interest, nursing identity and image, strike-related, and ethical stories. In many articles, images either excluded nurses or portrayed them in ways that obscured their identity.

Discussion

The findings indicate that nurses’ voices are not effectively utilized, particularly in policy discussions. This aligns with previous studies showing the underrepresentation of nurses as expert sources, with a predominance of male higher management and medical professionals being cited more frequently.

Conclusion

The imbalance in nurse representation, particularly in policy and decision-making, highlights the need for systemic change.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

Media competency training is needed in nursing (under)graduate curricula and in nursing leadership development programs to effectively convey their expertise and work. A collaborative and systemic approach involving key stakeholders is advised to ensure that nurse voices are elevated, especially related to health policy.