Misinformation can have serious consequences, especially in healthcare. Fake news often spreads rapidly on social media and other online channels, ranging from questionable healing promises to dangerous misinformation about medicines, vaccines or therapies. It is becoming increasingly difficult for patients to distinguish between well-founded, scientifically proven facts and unsubstantiated claims. This can lead to wrong decisions and undermine trust in medical research.
As part of its efforts to combat fake news in healthcare, EUPATI CH has developed a social media campaign on the topic. The campaign focuses on providing information and background knowledge. It also gives examples of misinformation and shows how such fake news can be recognised.
The campaign regularly shares practical tips for recognising fake news, references to trustworthy fact-checking portals and exciting insights into research projects dealing with disinformation on various social media channels. The campaign is supplemented by an expert podcast and a guide to recognising fake news.
The EUPATI Switzerland association aims to provide patients with access to education and training in order to enable meaningful patient involvement in therapeutic innovation. To this end, the association informs and raises awareness among the public on topics related to patient involvement (PPIE) and organises training courses to turn patients into experts.
Life Science Communication manages the EUPATI Switzerland office and developed and implemented the social media campaign.
All campaign content can be found at eupati.ch/en/eupati-against-fake-news/