How Practice Managers Can Bridge the Gap to Trusted Health Information

Ensuring access to credible and accurate health information is essential for empowering patients, supporting staff and fostering a more informed and confident community

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Wired Gov

Credible health information empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their care, from vaccinations to surgeries. Patients who receive trustworthy health information often feel more confident managing their health, better prepared for appointments and more engaged in shared decision-making. However, a recent report highlights that access to reliable health information is not guaranteed for many, with significant inequalities affecting outcomes.

As a practice manager, you play a vital role in ensuring your staff, patients and community can access trustworthy, up-to-date health information.

Understanding the Challenges

Half of UK adults struggle to access credible health information, and only one in 10 individuals with long-term conditions say they have been signposted to patient organisations – trusted sources that could significantly enhance their care journey. Further to this, the rise of online searches, social media and tools like ChatGPT means patients are increasingly exposed to misinformation. For example, one in 10 UK adults have been directly affected by health misinformation, a figure that doubles among ethnic minority groups. This misinformation often includes fabricated testimonials, fake references and biased narratives.

Strategies for Practice Managers

As a practice manager, you can implement the following steps to ensure your staff and patients have access to reliable health information:

Build a Resource Pool

Create a centralised repository of verified and trustworthy health information sources that your staff can easily access and share. This repository should include a variety of reliable resources, such as NHS-approved materials, patient organisation guides and information from reputable health charities. Ensure it addresses common health concerns specific to your community, making it a comprehensive and practical tool for supporting staff and patient education.

Regularly Update Information

Establish a routine for regularly reviewing and updating your resource pool to ensure it reflects the most current guidelines, treatments and research. Work closely with trusted organisations and health authorities to maintain the accuracy and relevance of the information, ensuring that your resources are always aligned with the latest evidence and best practices in healthcare.

Ensure Accessibility and Inclusivity

Provide health information in various formats, such as printed materials, videos and infographics, to meet the diverse needs of your patients. Ensure that all materials are easy to understand by using plain language and culturally appropriate messaging. Additionally, translate resources into other languages as needed to effectively serve non-English speaking patients within your community, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.

By prioritising access to credible health information, practice managers can support their staff, patients and community in making informed health decisions. Addressing the challenges of misinformation and ensuring inclusivity will help build trust, improve outcomes and empower individuals to take charge of their health with confidence.