By: Lisa M. McCorkle, MSN, MBA, RN, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager, The Doctors Company                     

In 2021, the American Health Information Management Association Foundation surveyed 1,059 U.S. residents age 18 or older in a nationally representative sample. The survey found that Americans typically seek out health information by contacting their doctor and the internet equally. Of those who secure health information from the internet, 86 percent are confident the information is credible.

This can sometimes be a challenge for healthcare practitioners, because health misinformation—information that is false, inaccurate, or misleading according to the best available evidence at the time—is abundant on the internet. Health misinformation is a significant obstacle in healthcare, as it can lead to misunderstandings, poor health decisions, and adverse outcomes for patients. In a recent survey of physicians by The Doctors Company, 64 percent of physicians named misinformation on social media one of the most challenging aspects of practicing medicine.

In particular, social media has profoundly influenced plastic surgery, offering a platform for surgeons to showcase their work and connect with potential patients. However, experts warn that it can also promote unrealistic expectations by emphasizing only the positive outcomes and downplaying the realities of procedures and recovery. 

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