Google AI Search undergoes new changes; Risks of prescription drug promotion by influencers; Video uses 26 languages
Google AI Search undergoes new changes
In a roundup of Google's biggest AI updates from March 2026, the tech giant said it was "working on ways to unlock AI’s benefits in fields as wide-ranging as healthcare, crisis response and education". Updates include expanding Search Live globally to more than 200 countries and territories where AI Mode is available. Users can tap the "Live" icon in the Google app to engage in back-and-forth dialogue using your voice or camera feed.
Read more in this Google blog.
Study: risks of drug promotion by influencers
A review of articles published in peer-reviewed journals has found social media influencer promotion of prescription drugs was consistently associated with misinformation. The study also found that promotion by influencers made it difficult for audiences to “recognise promotional intent when marketing was embedded in personal narratives”. The findings highlight an urgent need for updated regulatory guidance, and stronger and standardised disclosure requirements.
Read the full article on the Jama Network website.
Bowel cancer awareness video in 26 languages
PIF TICK ambassador Dr Aziza Sesay has developed a bowel cancer awareness campaign in 26 different languages. Along with other doctors, she created a video for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month to encourage everyone invited to bowel screening to take part. Languages include Punjabi, Krio, Fanti, Hindi, Yoruba and Igbo.
Entries open for self-care awards
The 2026 Self-Care Awards are now accepting applications. If you or your organisation helps to empower individuals or communities to improve their self-care practices, you can apply for the Self-Care Forum's awards. It could be for a project linked to education, social prescribing, personalised care, peer support, or other initiatives.
For more information and eligibility criteria, visit the Self-Care Forum website.
British Social Attitudes survey reveals change for NHS
New findings from the 2025 British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey on health and social care revealed the first increase in satisfaction with the NHS since 2019.
This long-running survey tracks public views on key social issues, including health and wellbeing. Analysis by The King’s Fund and The Nuffield Trust found more than 1 in 4 British adults were ‘very’ or ‘quite’ satisfied with the way in which the NHS runs – a 6 percentage point increase from 2024.
Read more on the Kings Fund website.
NHS App waiting times feature updated
NHS England has updated the NHS App’s waiting times feature after it caused confusion and anxiety. According to the HSJ, patients mistook a mean average time for personal timelines.
Alongside the mean average referral-to-treatment time for their trust, a new metric has now been added to the page, which shows “eight in 10 patients are seen within X weeks”.
Subscribers can read more on the HSJ website: https://www.hsj.co.uk/technology-and-innovation/nhs-app-caused-confusion-and-anxiety-over-waiting-times/7041340.article
Centres to bring more services into the community
Patients in England will benefit from improved healthcare on their doorstep as the government rolls out the first 27 neighbourhood health centres.
Once completed, patients will be able to access a greater range of health services from these centres under one roof and closer to their homes. This will include urgent treatment, GP and pharmacy services.
In time, centres will also include wider services like debt advice, employment and family support and other voluntary sector support. They will be open 12 hours a day, 6 days a week.