Beyond The Feed: Health Misinformation in Clinical Practice

Beyond The Feed: Health Misinformation in Clinical Practice

In an era where patients arrive at consultations armed with advice from influencers, viral health claims, and algorithmically curated content, clinicians need more than clinical knowledge — they need the communication skills to navigate it.

This intensive full-day workshop equips healthcare professionals with the practical tools to identify, appraise, and respond to health misinformation in the clinical encounter. From understanding the psychology behind patient-influencer relationships to applying structured frameworks for evaluating online health claims, the programme bridges the gap between evidence-based medicine and the realities of modern patient communication.

What you'll learn:

Across eight focused sessions, you'll explore the epidemiology of health misinformation, its impact on adherence and the therapeutic relationship, and how algorithmic amplification shapes patient beliefs. Through hands-on skills labs, you'll practise critical appraisal of social media health content, motivational interviewing techniques, and translating clinical evidence into accessible public messaging. The afternoon addresses the harder conversations — managing negative engagement, protecting professional resilience, and understanding your ethical and regulatory obligations under GMC, ASA, and CAP guidance.

You'll leave with a personal action plan and the confidence to address misinformation constructively, without damaging trust or the therapeutic relationship.

Who should attend:

Consultants, GPs,  Registrars, Trainees, Nurses, Pharmacists, and allied health professionals who engage with patients around health choices influenced by online content.

About Dr Amy Perkins

Dr Amy Perkins is a Specialty Doctor in Dermatology at NHS Forth Valley (Stirling) and an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the University of Glasgow. She has a strong interest in public health and the impact of social media on dermatology, particularly how online narratives influence patient behaviour, trust, and decision-making.

Amy’s work also includes involvement with OpenAI’s clinician community, contributing to health-focused evaluation work (HealthBench), and she is a passionate advocate for public health initiatives—especially UV safety and sunbed regulation, highlighting that the vast majority of skin cancers are preventable through effective photoprotection.