Misinformation “infodemic”: Doctors need “humility” when tackling patient concerns, say experts

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Source: BMJ

Original: http://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj.s493.short?rss=1...

Published: 2026-03-13T08:06:20-07:00

Doctors must show humility in consultations when patients present information found online. An expert panel at the Nuffield Trust Summit on March 6 recommends that doctors explain the reasons for their advice to patients to help maintain trust. Spreading such content online damages the doctor-patient relationship. Kamila Hawthorne, former president of the Royal College of General Practitioners and current president of the National Academy for Social Prescribing, said patients regularly submit information from an online survey to her. "Patients are coming in with more and more information and almost testing me," she said. Panelist Nnenna Osuji is a hematologist and incoming CEO.