Addressing Misinformation and Disinformation in Healthcare: Best Practices and Strategies

Author(s): Susan Wnorowski & Joy Yee

Introduction: 

Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that is spread without the intent to deceive, while disinformation is the deliberate creation or dissemination of false information intended to mislead or cause harm. Both types of information can significantly impact healthcare, leading to confusion, fear, and mistrust among patients and the public. Meanwhile, social media, online forums, and user-generated content platforms allow information (accurate or not) to circulate rapidly. While these platforms offer tremendous opportunities for patient education and engagement, they also enable widespread dissemination of misleading or harmful claims. This article draws insights from the presentation “They said WHAT?!?” delivered at the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS) 2025 Americas and EMEA Annual Meetings event Americas and EU Meetings to address these issues, summarizing the FDA’s guidance, and suggesting a model for Medical Affairs professionals to effectively combat misinformation and disinformation.

Key Takeaways

Misinformation and disinformation harm healthcare by spreading confusion and mistrust, especially through digital platforms, highlighting the need for effective strategies to address them.

• Misinformation is spread without intent to deceive, while disinformation is deliberately created to mislead or cause harm.
• Both can negatively affect healthcare by increasing confusion, fear, and mistrust among patients and the public.
• Social media and online platforms amplify the spread of inaccurate information, making it essential for Medical Affairs professionals to actively combat it using structured approaches and regulatory guidance.