Finding and using knowledge

• Disinformation: A deliberate attempt to mislead using material that the deceiver knows is untrue, designed to be widely shared (BBC).
• Misinformation: An umbrella term to describe false, misleading or out of context material regardless of the motivation behind it (BBC).
• Malinformation: facts, reported speech, etc., presented out of context in a way intended to mislead or endanger.(Dictionary.com)
• Fake news: false stories that appear to be news. (Cambridge Dictionary)

All of these terms mean that the information provided is incorrect or out of context.  

Misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and fake news are not new, but with the latest technologies and ways of communicating it spreads more rapidly and is more easily manipulated.

The information can be from anywhere- a conversation, newspapers, social media, online and includes the results you get from generative AI tools.

1. Look for information using trusted sources
2. Ask questions and think about what you find
3. Chose to make informed judgments and decisions
4. Realise the benefits:
   1. You are in control of your actions
   2. You will have better understanding on a subject
   3. You can help to stop the spread of inaccurate information

Everyone needs to think about information they are given or find.

• The Knowledge Network
• NHS Inform
• Patient Information Forum 

Always ask yourself these questions before you share.

There are tools to help you look at these questions:

For some information you can use fact checking sites to verify the information you find, it can be especially useful for social media and news posts.

• Channel 4 FactCheck
• BBC Verify
• Full Fact - UK’s independent fact checking charity
• FactCheck.org A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Centre (US based)   
• Snopes Fact checking website
• FactCeckNI - for Northern Ireland
• Ask for Evidence – Evidence behind health claims
• Google's Fact Check Explorer
• Media Bias/Fact Check
• EDMO European Digital Media Observatory
   

Making sure the people in your care get the right information is key to stopping flawed information being spread. De-bunking is challenging inaccurate information after it has been found.

When addressing someone who has misinformation:

• Be respectful and empathetic - you don’t know why they believe this particular viewpoint or advice over others. There could be underling factors influencing a decision e.g. cultural or religious beliefs.
• Do not dismiss concerns and acknowledge uncertainties in any care. This could include medication side effects for example.
• Use plain language and health literacy techniques (such as teach back and chunk and check) to ensure information is meaningful for the recipient. [LINK]
• Don’t just de-bunk but instead offer credible and relevant sources – not just a fact sheet!
• Be consistent in the messaging.

It can be difficult to address incorrect information, but discussion is key to addressing the situation. At times you may not be able to persuade someone to follow a recommended care path.

Pre-bunking and inoculation involves ensuring a person is aware that there may be misinformation about the topic before a search is started. By discussing that fact that there may be flawed information on the topic and outlining some of the reasons it may affect them it may be possible to reduce the impact of and inaccurate information that is found. Pre-bunking ‘ is intended to inform rather than persuade’ and help to build defences against incorrect information. (van der Linden 2024)

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