How to counter medical misinformation and support engaged patients

In 2021, the American Health Information Management Association Foundation surveyed 1,059 U.S. residents age 18 or older in a nationally representative sample. The survey found that Americans typically seek out health information by contacting their doctor and the internet equally. Of those who secure health information from the internet, 86 percent are confident the information is credible.

This can sometimes be a challenge for healthcare practitioners, because health misinformation—information that is false, inaccurate, or misleading according to the best available evidence at the time—is abundant on the internet. Health misinformation is a significant obstacle in healthcare, as it can lead to misunderstandings, poor health decisions, and adverse outcomes for patients. In a recent survey of physicians by The Doctors Company, 64 percent of physicians named misinformation on social media one of the most challenging aspects of practicing medicine.

Calling Dr. Google

Patients’ engagement in their personal health can be an advantage, with the proper guidance and support from practitioners. However, when patients consult “Dr. Google,” some websites may provide inaccurate or misleading content.

This issue of accurate versus inaccurate online medical information was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory Confronting Health Misinformation focused on this serious threat to public health and called on all of us to limit the spread.

Challenges for Practitioners

Correcting misinformation requires time and effort: Practitioners are encountering longer visit times when there is a need to discuss internet-collected health information with patients. Patients can sometimes have a strong belief in and be adamant about the assembled misinformation, which can result in increased patient anxiety.

Practitioners who dismiss or criticize the online search efforts of patients may negatively impact practitioner-patient trust. It can also be a challenge to change patient perspectives when misinformation is deeply believed, even when the practitioner is providing information from a trusted source.

Addressing health misinformation with patients

Former American Medical Association (AMA) president Gerald E. Harmon, MD, noted in a 2022 press release regarding a new AMA policy addressing public health disinformation that “physicians have an ethical and professional responsibility to share truthful information, correct misleading and inaccurate information, and direct people to reliable sources of health information.”

It’s often said that trust is the medical currency of healthcare, and in partnering with patients to help them understand medicine, practitioners are making deposits. Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN, explained to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) her view that overcoming medical misinformation is a journey on which to partner with the patient, first understanding why patients turn to the sources they do for medical guidance.The AANP offers an infographic tool, A Clinician’s Guide to Medical Misinformation: Communication Is Key, to support clinicians in combating medical misinformation.

Patient Safety Strategies

Engaging with patients who are relying on health misinformation requires a thoughtful approach to ensure patient safety, retain trust, and promote health literacy. Here are some strategies practitioners can use:

• Listen to patients' concerns and beliefs without judgment. This fosters open communication and shows that you respect their perspective. By actively listening to concerns and providing clear, evidence-based information, practitioners can build trust and encourage patients to participate in their healthcare journey.
• Show empathy and understanding toward patients' fears and misconceptions. Acknowledge their feelings and provide reassurance.
• Use plain language to explain complex medical terms in simpler language. Avoid medical jargon and ensure that patients fully understand the information being provided. To support this, apply universal health literacy precautions—an approach that assumes all patients may have difficulty understanding health information and therefore emphasizes clear, accessible communication for everyone. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and misinformation.
• Share reliable, evidence-based sources of information. Use reputable websites, peer-reviewed articles, and official health guidelines. (See the resources listed below.)
• Using the Teach-Back Method, ask patients to repeat the information in their own words to ensure they have understood correctly. This helps identify any misunderstandings.
• Use visual aids such as diagrams, charts, and videos to explain complex medical concepts. Visuals can make information more accessible and easier to understand.
• Gently correct misinformation by providing accurate information and explaining why the misinformation is incorrect. Use facts and evidence to support your explanations.
• Help patients develop critical thinking skills by teaching them how to evaluate the credibility of sources and recognize biased information. Critical thinking skills are essential in identifying and rejecting misinformation.
• Maintain a trustworthy and transparent relationship with patients. Be honest about what is known and what is still uncertain in the medical field. When patients are well-informed, they can actively participate in discussions about their care, leading to decisions that are aligned with their values and preferences.
• Schedule follow-up appointments to address any ongoing concerns and reinforce accurate information. Continuous follow-up and support maintain positive patient engagement.

Through these strategies, practitioners can effectively combat health misinformation and empower patients to make informed health decisions.

Reputable resources

These are reputable websites, known for their accuracy, credibility, and comprehensive coverage of health topics, where patients can find reliable health information:

• American Cancer Society (ACS): The ACS offers detailed information on cancer prevention, treatment, and research at https://www.cancer.org.
• American Heart Association (AHA): The AHA provides information on heart health, including prevention, treatment, and research on cardiovascular diseases at https://www.heart.org.
• Mayo Clinic: The Mayo Clinic offers expert advice on a wide range of health topics, including symptoms, treatments, and preventive care at https://www.mayoclinic.org.
• MedlinePlus: MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine, offers reliable health information, including articles, videos, and links to other trusted sources at https://medlineplus.gov.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH): The NIH provides detailed information on medical research, clinical trials, and health conditions at https://www.nih.gov.
• WebMD: WebMD provides comprehensive health information, including symptom checkers, drug information, and articles on various health conditions at https://www.webmd.com.
• World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO offers global health information, including disease outbreaks, health statistics, and international health guidelines at https://www.who.int.

For guidance and assistance in addressing any patient safety or risk management concerns, contact Patient Safety and Risk Management at (800) 421-2368 or by email.

The guidelines suggested here are not rules, do not constitute legal advice, and do not ensure a successful outcome. The ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of any treatment must be made by each healthcare provider considering the circumstances of the individual situation and in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the care is rendered.

Lisa M. McCorkle, MSN, MBA, RN, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager, The Doctors Company