Health Misinformation: Important Questions to Consider

When clients seek care from a registered nurse (RN) or nurse practitioner (NP), they expect not only to receive treatment but also trustworthy guidance during a time when misinformation spreads rapidly. With more than 15,000 registrants in Manitoba engaging in millions of public interactions each year, every encounter presents an opportunity to build trust, share accurate information, and reinforce confidence in the healthcare system. Understanding misinformation begins with answering the following essential questions.  

What is healthcare misinformation? 

According to the World Health Organization (2024), misinformation refers to “the spread of false information without the intent to mislead.” In contrast, disinformation is false information that is intentionally spread, knowing it is false. Both misinformation and disinformation can be extremely harmful, as they can influence the health behaviours of individuals and communities based on inaccurate information. 

Who spreads misinformation? 

Anyone can disseminate health misinformation, and this has always been the case. While disinformation may be spread by those with malicious intent, the majority of misinformation is inadvertently shared by well-meaning individuals who believe they are conveying the truth.  

Misinformation and disinformation spread by healthcare professionals or those in positions of authority are particularly dangerous, as they undermine public trust by legitimizing false or misleading claims.

 

Where is healthcare misinformation likely to be found? 

Misinformation can manifest in many contexts (word of mouth, written media, etc.), but the rise of social media and online healthcare information during and since the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated what experts refer to as an “infodemic” of misinformation (World Health Organization, 2022). Platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are common sources of misinformation, and the public often trusts what social media influencers are telling them.  

When are we at greatest risk of encountering healthcare misinformation? 

Online misinformation tends to proliferate during pandemics, humanitarian crises, and health emergencies. It is crucial to always remain vigilant against misinformation,  especially during periods of crisis (Ontario Hospital Association, 2023).  

What should I watch for? 

While serious misinformation can be spread about a variety of healthcare topics, we should exercise caution when encountering information on the following subjects, which are found to be of particular concern (Ontario Hospital Association, 2023):  

• Improper statements that vaccines are unsafe; 

• Misinformation about diets and, in particular, eating disorders;  

• Misinformation about drugs, tobacco products, and “vapes”; 

• False or misleading information about communicable and non-communicable diseases; or 

• False or misleading information about medical treatments and health interventions.  

Further, be alert for common misinformation patterns in healthcare discourse, such as:  

Denialism: This involves any effort to reject scientific consensus and can manifest through (Media Smarts, 2025):  

• Citing conspiracy theories;  

• Cherry-picking or applying a double standard to some studies or data; or 

• Promoting experts whose opinions deviate from scientific consensus, creating an impression that these individuals are authoritative. 

“Snake Oil” mis/disinformation: This tactic utilizes scientific misinformation to entice individuals into purchasing products:  

• Claiming “cure-all,” “miracle cure,” “quick fix,” or “all-natural” attributes;  

• Citing conspiracy theories to sell products or services; or  

• Heavily relying on personal testimonials 

Why should registrants care about misinformation?  

Aside from the fact that healthcare misinformation can destroy the public’s trust in institutions that protect them and negatively impact the health of our clients and the communities where they reside, registrants are required to combat health misinformation because it is a professional practice expectation. Specifically, the Practice Direction: Practice Expectations for RNs requires all registrants to: 

• “demonstrate critical thinking and evidence from nursing science, other disciplines, and other pertinent peer-reviewed, evidence-informed sources” and; 

• “support the client in self-management of their health care by way of the provision of information, resources, and referrals to enable informed decision making by the client or their representatives.”   

These practice expectations communicate that addressing health misinformation with clients is a requirement.  

How can registrants (RNs and NPs) help to reduce the spread of healthcare misinformation? 

1. Learn 
   1. Educate yourself about scientific principles, methodology, best practices, and evidence-informed messages. 
   2. Be inquisitive about the information you consume and question ideas that seem to be inaccurate.  
   3. Identify and utilize reliable and trustworthy sources. Verify the same information across different reliable sources.  
   4. Understand how and why misinformation is disseminated.  
2. Communicate with precision and compassion to gain trust. If you become aware of a colleague or client spreading misinformation: 
   1. Gently inquire about where they heard it and share ways to verify the facts.
      Example: “I overheard you mention that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes Autism Spectrum Disorder. Where did you learn that?”
   2. Avoid judging clients and colleagues for statements you believe are inaccurate. Instead, compassionately acknowledge that misinformation can be convincing and pervasive.
      Example: “I have seen lots of things online about this, too. It can be so hard to keep track of what is true. Can we look at this together to see if we can make sense of it?” 
   3.  Direct colleagues and clients to reputable sources of information.
      Example: “I know that the American College of Obstetricians and Health Canada have written about this. Did you want to look at those responses together?”
   4. Help colleagues and clients by offering information and answering questions.
      Example: “Sometimes people get correlation and causation mixed up. Do you have any questions about that?”
   5. Collaborate with colleagues and employers to establish consistent messaging related to best practices and frequently cited sources of misinformation.
      Example: “I bet other people have this same question. I am going to bring it up with my team to make sure we are all on the same page.” 
3. Use social media responsibly: Avoid spreading misinformation and be mindful of the information you share online.
4. Demonstrate openness to examining your own beliefs and their impact on your clinical team, clients, and the profession.
5. Champion media literacy, utilizing resources like those available from Media Smarts, and support systemic efforts to counter misinformation. 

By taking these steps, registrants can play a key role in combating healthcare misinformation and building a more informed community. 

References:  

College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba. (2022). Practice Direction: Practice Expectations for RNs. Available at: Link. 

Media Smarts. (2025). Health and Science Misinformation. Available at Link.  

Ontario Hospital Association. (2023). Misinformation in Health Care- The Critical Role of Effective Communication. Available at Link.  

World Health Organization. (2024). Disinformation and Public Health. Available at Link. 

World Health Organization. (2022). Infodemics and misinformation negatively affect people’s health behaviours, new WHO review find. Available at Link.