U.S. Physicians Combat the Rising Tide of Disinformation Designed to Mislead Patients

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doctors Sound Alarm: Misinformation Crisis Undermines Patient Care

october 27, 2025

A Stunning 99% of United States physicians believe that the spread of false or inaccurate health information is actively harming their ability to provide quality care, according to a new survey released this week. The findings, based on responses from over 1,000 doctors across the nation, reveal a deepening crisis of trust and a growing challenge for the medical community.

The Rising Tide of Falsehoods

The survey, conducted by the Physicians Foundation in late May, highlights a dramatic increase in medical misinformation and disinformation over the past five years. Doctors report that patients are increasingly influenced by unreliable sources, leading to treatment delays, poor health decisions, and strained doctor-patient relationships.

the distinction between misinformation and disinformation is critical. Misinformation refers to inaccurate information spread unintentionally, whereas disinformation is deliberately created to mislead. Both, however, pose a significant threat to public health.

Rural Areas Hit Hardest

The impact of this “info-demic” is not felt equally across the country. Doctors practicing in rural communities are disproportionately affected, with 38% reporting a “great deal” of exposure to misinformation from patients, compared to 25% in urban areas and just 21% in suburban settings.

This disparity is linked to lower levels of confidence among rural physicians regarding their patients’ ability to access reliable health information online. A concerning 54% of rural doctors expressed a lack of confidence in their patients’ online research skills, compared to 41% of urban doctors and 37% of suburban practitioners.

Location	% Reporting ‘Great Deal’ of Misinformation	% Not Confident in Patients’ Online Health Info Skills
Rural	38%	54%
Urban	25%	41%
Suburban	21%	37%

Did You Know? The world Health Institution (WHO) estimates that up to 40% of health information consumed online is inaccurate or misleading.

The Role of Employers and Community Institutions

While physicians bear the brunt of addressing misinformation directly with patients, the Physicians Foundation emphasizes the need for a broader, collaborative approach.the report suggests leveraging trusted community institutions, such as employers and local workplaces, to disseminate accurate health information.

Recent studies, including Edelman’s Trust Barometer, indicate a growing public trust in employers as sources of reliable information on various topics, including health. In rural areas, where employers frequently enough have a stronger local presence, collaboration between healthcare providers, employers, and community organizations could be notably effective.

Pro Tip: Encourage patients to verify information with their doctor or trusted medical sources before making health decisions.

A Multifaceted Solution

Addressing the misinformation crisis requires a sustained effort to empower both physicians and patients with the tools and resources needed to navigate the complex health information landscape. This includes promoting media literacy, strengthening trust in healthcare professionals, and fostering partnerships between healthcare providers and trusted community organizations.

Ultimately,combating misinformation is a shared obligation. It demands a collective commitment to truth, accuracy, and the well-being of all citizens.

What strategies do you think are most effective in combating health misinformation in your community? How can we better support physicians facing this challenge?

The Long-Term Impact of Health Misinformation

The problem of health misinformation isn’t new, but its acceleration in recent years, fueled by social media and online echo chambers, is unprecedented. This has implications beyond immediate patient care, affecting public health initiatives like vaccination campaigns, disease prevention programs, and overall trust in the medical system. Long-term consequences may include increased morbidity and mortality rates, widening health disparities, and a further erosion of public trust in science and medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation? Misinformation is false information spread unintentionally, while disinformation is deliberately created to mislead.
• Why are rural areas more affected by health misinformation? Rural communities often have limited access to reliable health information and lower levels of digital literacy.
• What can doctors do to address misinformation with their patients? Doctors can proactively address concerns, provide evidence-based information, and encourage patients to verify information from trusted sources.
• What role do employers play in combating health misinformation? Employers can serve as trusted sources of health information for their employees and promote wellness programs.
• how can I verify the accuracy of health information online? Check the source’s credibility, look for evidence-based information, and consult with your doctor.

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What are the most common types of medical misinformation U.S. physicians are seeing online?

The Growing Threat of Medical Misinformation

The proliferation of false or misleading health details – often termed medical misinformation or health disinformation – poses a significant and escalating threat to public health in the United States. Physicians are increasingly on the front lines, battling not only disease but also the damaging effects of inaccurate claims circulating online and through social media. This isn’t simply about differing opinions; it’s about demonstrably false information impacting patient decisions and outcomes. Key areas affected include vaccine hesitancy, alternative medicine promotion, and distrust in established healthcare providers.

Sources of Disinformation: Where is it Coming From?

Understanding the origins of medical disinformation is crucial to combating it. Several key sources contribute to the problem:

Social Media Platforms: Algorithms can prioritize engagement over accuracy,leading to the rapid spread of sensationalized or false claims. Platforms like facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube are major vectors.

Unverified Websites & Blogs: Numerous websites present themselves as authoritative sources of health information without proper medical oversight or fact-checking.

Influencers & Celebrities: Individuals with large followings, even without medical expertise, can considerably impact public perception through endorsements of unproven treatments or skepticism towards established medical advice.

Foreign Interference: Reports indicate deliberate disinformation campaigns originating from foreign entities aiming to sow discord and undermine trust in U.S. institutions, including healthcare.

“Wellness” Industry: The unregulated nature of much of the wellness industry allows for the promotion of products and practices lacking scientific validation.

Physician Strategies for Countering Disinformation

U.S. physicians are adopting a multi-pronged approach to address this challenge. These strategies range from individual patient interactions to broader public health initiatives.

1. Enhanced Patient Interaction

The most direct impact physicians can have is through improved communication with their patients. This involves:

Active Listening: Taking the time to understand why a patient holds a particular belief, rather than immediatly dismissing it.

Empathy & Respect: Approaching conversations with empathy and avoiding judgmental language.

Evidence-Based Explanations: Clearly and concisely explaining medical information using evidence-based resources. Avoid jargon and tailor explanations to the patient’s understanding.

Addressing Concerns Directly: Specifically addressing the misinformation the patient has encountered, debunking false claims with factual information.

Utilizing Visual Aids: Charts, graphs, and videos can help illustrate complex medical concepts and counter misleading visuals found online.

2. Leveraging Digital Tools & Social Media

Many physicians are now actively using digital platforms to disseminate accurate health information:

creating Informative Content: Developing blog posts, videos, and social media updates addressing common health myths and misconceptions.

engaging on Social Media: Responding to misinformation circulating online,correcting false claims,and sharing reliable resources.

Partnering with Trusted Organizations: Collaborating with organizations like the CDC, WHO, and medical societies to amplify accurate messaging.

Utilizing Fact-Checking resources: Sharing links to reputable fact-checking websites (e.g., Snopes, PolitiFact) to help patients evaluate information.

3.Collaboration & Advocacy

Combating disinformation requires a collective effort. Physicians are increasingly involved in:

Peer-to-Peer Education: Sharing strategies and best practices with colleagues.

Advocating for Policy Changes: Supporting policies that promote media literacy and hold social media platforms accountable for the spread of disinformation.

Working with Community Leaders: Partnering with community organizations to reach underserved populations and address health disparities exacerbated by misinformation.

Supporting Medical Journalism: Promoting and supporting high-quality medical journalism that prioritizes accuracy and evidence-based reporting.

The Role of Medical Societies & Organizations

National medical societies are playing a vital role in equipping physicians with