Review of health misinformation resources; UK's pharma investment ranking falls; Government rebrands parenting websites
Review finds gaps in health misinformation resources
Researchers who examined online resources which aim to combat health misinformation believe there is a knowledge gap in how to design the interventions. A scoping review was conducted to examine studies on online interventions targeting health misinformation to mitigate adverse public health impacts. After screening, 30 studies were reviewed with the majority (19) focused on COVID-19 misinformation.
The research found many resources used overlapping strategies such as educational courses, tools to challenge misleading content, and games to improve people's ability to spot misinformation. However, gaps remained in tailoring interventions. The researchers concluded that clearer reporting and stronger connections to resource design are needed. Collaboration among developers, theorists and psychologists was recommended to enhance future interventions.
Read the full review via the JMIR website here.
UK drops in rankings for pharma investment
A new ABPI report has revealed the UK has dropped in the global rankings for pharmaceutical investment and research. The ABPI Framework – Creating the Conditions for Investment and Growth– found the UK is losing the race for investment in research and development (R&D), clinical trial delivery, and foreign direct investment. PIF member ABPI reports that since 2018, UK pharmaceutical R&D investment has underperformed against global trends, with a significant slowdown from 2020. ABPI chief executive Dr Richard Torbett MBE said the framework "serves as a vital tool to identify, shape and prioritise the policy interventions needed to make the UK one of the world’s leading economies for pharmaceutical industry investment".
Read the full report on the ABPI website here.
Fresh focus and new campaigns to support parents
The government is introducing a new website, branding and campaigns as part of its strategy to give every child the best start in life. The new Best Start in Life brand and resources aim to help parents understand and navigate services, offers and support that aim to break down barriers to opportunity and drive up the numbers of children reaching a good level of development. A new website and parent hub has replaced the existing NHS Start for Life and UK Government Childcare Choices websites. Parents can now access the same information and support in one place with content taking them from pregnancy through to starting school and beyond. Over the autumn and winter, new campaigns will be launched to raise awareness among parents of what they can expect from Best Start in Life.
Access the campaign resources on the GOV.UK website here.
Visit the Best Start in Life website here.
Study: The impact of health literacy on arthritis outcomes
A systematic review examined 29 studies (with more than 16,000 participants) to understand how health literacy associates with outcomes in inflammatory arthritis. Published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, the review found that low health literacy is linked with higher disease activity, more disability, and worse mental health (including anxiety and depression). It may also be associated with poorer medication adherence, higher healthcare utilisation and limitations in engaging with telehealth and digital tools. The review highlighted a need for:
- Increased use of robust and standardised ways to measure health literacy.
- Interventions, co-designed with patients, to improve understanding, shared decision-making and digital access.
- Policy and resource allocation that recognise health literacy as a driver of inequities in chronic disease outcomes.
Read the full paper on the ScienceDirect website here.
Seeking people to join breast cancer review forum
The Department of Health in Northern Ireland is calling on people to join a new forum and help shape breast cancer services. To address what the Department describes as "significant pressure" on the services, a programme of work has been initiated called Reshaping Breast Services in Northern Ireland. All aspects of breast services in Northern Ireland are included in the review, including assessment, surgery, treatment, aftercare, workforce and infrastructure. People with experiences of breast cancer services are being invited to join the forum, including people who have attended a breast clinic and those diagnosed with breast cancer. Applications should be submitted by 10pm on Sunday, 28 September, 2025.
Read more about the review and the forum on the Department of Health website here.
Study: What influences how doctors share information with patients
Researchers investigated the differences in how hospital doctors framed medical information when interacting with patients. The study aimed to provide a better understanding of the use and function of information-framing practices in medical interactions and whether the framing varied due to clinical specialties, individual or task differences. It was found that doctors use different framing practices depending on the function their information-sharing is meant to serve, such as reassuring, convincing and inviting. For instance, when information-sharing is designed to reassure the patient, it often includes framing devices that attend to the uniqueness of the other person. Choices were driven both by the macro level (the clinical unit) and micro (the specific function for sharing information at that moment), thus highlighting potential areas for future interventions.
Read the full study via the BMJ website here.
How digital tools can tackle children's mental health crisis
In this article for Digital Health, Dale Greenwood, NHS clinical and strategic programme lead for North East London mental health support teams, says digital innovation is critical to tackle the mental health crisis for children and young people. Dale believes the right digital tools could help services meet needs sooner at scale, reducing the likelihood that children go on to require complex care. He supports a shift away from rigid, linear care pathways, towards models that put children and their families at the centre. Dale adds: "If we are serious about addressing the mental health crisis for children and young people, we must focus on building a system fit for purpose that prioritises early intervention and prevention throughout the whole spectrum of need – from early signs to crisis. Digital tools – properly funded, validated, integrated and scaled – are critical to making this vision a reality."
Read the full article on the Digital Health website here.
Webinar: How AI can help charities and advice organisations
Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) is hosting a free webinar exploring practical ways AI can support charities and advice organisations. The ALLIANCE has teamed up with Wyser for the the online lunch and learn webinar session from 12pm to 1.30pm on 7 October. The webinar is set to include:
- A real-world case study showcasing the efficiencies of implementing AI.
- Practical steps for using AI to reduce admin and increase team capacity with a demo from Wyser.
- An expert panel discussion on responsible, accessible AI adoption in the advice sector.