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Misinformation lives at risk; data matters for dementia; MyCare.scot on app store

Your weekly round up of the latest news, studies and views for professionals working in health information (25 June 2026).

Misinformation is putting lives at risk, warns GP

In an article for Cancer Prevention Action Week, GP and cancer survivor Dr Philippa Kaye shares why health misinformation is becoming a growing problem. It can have serious consequences. She sees patients every week who are confused by conflicting advice, miracle cures and claims about supplements and “natural” remedies.

Read the article on the World Cancer Research Fund website.

Delivering care for people with dementia – why data matters

With an aging population, more people are living longer with major health conditions. Among these, dementia accounts for the greatest burden of illness in England. PIF member the Alzheimer's Society has funded a new report from the King's Fund on improving data around the disease. It found more joined-up, comprehensive data - at both local and national level - is key to unlocking opportunities to improve the nation’s health. 

Read more and download the report on The King's Fund website.

MyCare.scot available on app store  

The MyCare.scot app can now be downloaded onto smartphones, giving people across Scotland direct access to their health information on their phone. The first version of the free app will allow people to view their medications and allergies. They can also check their vaccination history and use the national service finder to find local health and wellbeing services.  

Read more about the development on the Scottish Government website.

Podcast on co-produced workshops in prison sites  

The York Trials Unit at the University of York has a new podcast episode on its pioneering feasibility study on the mental and physical wellbeing of older people in custody. The project looks at introducing co-produced, interactive workshops directly in prison sites.

Listen via the Research Room podcast website. 

New report explores experiences of accessing elective care

The British Red Cross has published new research exploring the experiences of people seeking asylum in England when accessing elective care. The report highlights barriers to care and opportunities to improve access and outcomes for people navigating the health system while seeking asylum.  

Read the report here.  

Win a professional film for your charity

Want to showcase your charity's impact? The National Council for Voluntary Organisations is offering one UK-registered small charity the chance to win up to five minutes of professionally produced film, completely free of charge. Apply before midnight on 29 June via the Light & Star Media website here.

Event: Generative AI and Retrieval Augmented Generation  

Generative AI has made finding and using information easier, but its reliability is questionable. Retrieval Augmented Generation offers to partly address this issue by enabling the integration of AI technology with a curated collection of relevant content to increase the reliability of its outputs.  

CILIP, the library and information association, will host a webinar on the potential of Retrieval Augmented Generation on Thursday 2 July. The session takes place from 1pm to 4pm – find out more and sign up here.

Survey: AI and the Future of the Healthcare Workforce

AI is reshaping healthcare - but how is it affecting your role in practice? Skills for Health is asking healthcare professionals across the UK to share their experiences of AI, including the opportunities it brings, the challenges it raises, and the skills and training needed to adapt. Take the survey here.

See also