Around half of adults in the UK struggle to access trusted health information, according to a new report.
The study, published by the Patient Information Forum and Ipsos, called Knowledge is Power, found that 53% of people felt they could trust the health information they found offline, while only 45% said they could trust the information found online.
But, eight in 10 adults with a long-term condition agreed that access to trusted health information would help them to manage their health better.
A further one in 10 adults said they had been affected by misinformation, which rose to one in five for ethnic minorities, according to the study, which surveyed 2,003 adults between May and June 2024.
One in six respondents said they did not feel listened to by their healthcare professional, rising to one in four for ethnic minorities.
The report made several recommendations including patients having the right to health information as a core part of their care, tackling inequality by making health information accessible and appropriate for all, and eliminating misinformation through robust content standards and effective signposting of credible health information from health professionals.
It also highlighted the need for a mandate to effectively deliver health information with a named lead in all NHS organisations, and embedding patient experience as a measure of NHS performance.
Melissa Moodley, UK head of healthcare research at Ipsos, said: ‘This timely research reveals a critical gap in access to trustworthy health information, with half of UK adults struggling to find reliable sources.
‘This challenge is particularly acute for those with long-term conditions and minority groups. The impact is clear: eight in 10 adults believe better access to credible health information would improve their health management.
‘These findings underscore the urgent need to improve the provision of verified, accessible health information. Doing so is not just beneficial, but essential for enhancing overall health outcomes across the UK.’
Sue Farrington, chair of the Patient Information Forum, added: ‘Credible information supports people’s health decisions, from childhood vaccinations to joint replacement surgery. For people with long term conditions, it is a core element of care.
‘Resolving these issues will ensure everyone gets the information they need, supporting the prevention agenda and contributing to the delivery of positive health outcomes for all.’
In a recent interview with Hospital Pharmacy Europe, consultant clinical oncologist Dr John Conibear said: ‘What mustn’t be forgotten is the dissemination of information to patients, arming them with the knowledge of what’s available, and what’s potentially suitable for them so they can also be an advocate for their own care.’
For example, new self-management app designed for teenagers, young adults and the parents/carers of pre-teens with asthma is designed to improve knowledge of their condition, making it easier for them to monitor and control it.
A version of this article was originally published by our sister publication Healthcare Leader.