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Understanding the right to health; Use of ChatGPT as an information source; Top tips for YouTube content

Your weekly round up of the latest news, studies and views for professionals working in health information (10 January 2024).

Investigating knowledge and understanding of the right to health

A research report commissioned by The Health and Social Care Academy (Academy Programme) investigates the accessibility of information on the right to health.

It highlights a lack of understanding among the public of the right to health and information pertaining to it. 

This is most significant for underrepresented groups and reflects wider structural inequalities. 

The report makes a series of recommendations for government, healthcare bodies and the third sector. They include producing accessible information on human rights.

Download the report in PDF or Word format from the ALLIANCE website here.

Study: Potential and limitations of ChatGPT as a source of information

A study has evaluated the accuracy of COVID-19 information generated by ChatGPT 3.5 and 4.0, assessing its potential as a supplementary public information source during the pandemic.

Researchers found ChatGPT 3.5 and 4.0 can generate accurate and relevant COVID-19 information to a certain extent. 

However, compared with official WHO responses, gaps and deficiencies exist. 

The study authors recommend users of ChatGPT 3.5 and 4.0 should also reference other reliable information sources to mitigate potential misinformation risks.

Read the full study via the JMIR website here.

Top tips from trusted YouTube creators

YouTube has launched a Behind the Thumbnail series offering advice from some of its top health channels.

The series includes Joe Freeman from NHS England explaining how the NHS built a new audience on YouTube.

Catch up on the series so far here.

Prisoners' use of hospital services

Analysis by the Nuffield Trust has revealed prisoners use hospital services less than people with similar health characteristics who are not incarcerated.

It found prisoners had fewer outpatient appointments overall and were 22% more likely to miss them. A&E visits, admissions and elective admissions were also lower.

It is hoped the data can be used to more accurately predict the needs of the prisoner population.

Read more about the analysis via the Nuffield Trust website here.

Event: Designing for Digital Inclusion in Healthcare

The Good Things Foundation is hosting a series of online seminars on designing digital inclusion in healthcare.

The seminars will take place from 23-25 January and cover the following topics:

  • Exploring the intersection between digital and health inequalities
  • Exploring the barriers that exclude people from digital health services, and how to remove them
  • Designing inclusive digital healthcare services - lessons and principles

Find out more and book via Eventbrite here.

Event: Introduction to Digital Accessibility

AbilityNet is offering a free online course on the basics of digital accessibility.

The course takes place from 3pm to 4.30pm on Wednesday, 24 January, and 10am to 11.30am on Thursday, 4 April.

Find out more and book via the AbilityNet website here.

See also