Podcasts in health education-Insights from a scoping review and survey

Podcasts have rapidly emerged as a powerful tool for health communication, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. While evidence shows that podcasts can enhance student knowledge, confidence, and flexibility in learning, their educational impact is primarily studied within formal academic contexts. Despite their popularity and potential, little is known about how bioscience-focused health podcasts engage broader audiences beyond structured health education programs. Limited research examines who listens, why they choose podcasts, and how this format influences their learning or behavior. To address this, we used a mixed-methods approach comprising a scoping review and an exploratory online survey. The scoping review, following PRISMA guidelines, identified 14 eligible studies published between 2008 and 2024. The survey, distributed via social media and Dr. Matt & Dr. Mike's Medical Education Podcast, captured responses from 226 participants-predominantly aged 25-34 and mostly from the USA-with two-thirds enrolled in health programs. Participants cited access to expert insights, enjoyment, and the ability to multitask as key reasons for podcast use. Content relevance and presenter expertise were rated the most important factors when selecting a health podcast. The preferred episode length was 30-60 min. On average, participants rated the impact of podcasts on their health knowledge at 4.22 out of 5, with 58% reporting changes in health-related behaviors. These findings suggest that podcasts offer a flexible, engaging way to communicate bioscience-focused health content and support learning across diverse audiences. Educators should consider listener motivations and preferences when integrating podcasts into educational practice.