Bertelsmann Stiftung Launches “InfoCure” Initiative to Promote Reliable Sources of Digital Health Information
Gütersloh – As the use of online resources for health information continues to rise, concerns over the quality and accuracy of such information have also increased. In response, the Bertelsmann Stiftung has launched a new international initiative, “InfoCure,” aimed at promoting trustworthy sources of digital health information and improving confidence in online resources.
A recent survey conducted on behalf of the Bertelsmann Stiftung revealed that 93% of Germans consider quality assurance on health and medical content found on the internet to be important. This sentiment is further supported by the results of Bielefeld University’s “Health Literacy Survey” (HLS-GER 3), which found that 71% of Germans have limited digital competency when it comes to health issues. This lack of knowledge can make it difficult for individuals to determine the reliability of online health information.
The use of online sources for health information has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. According to the Bertelsmann Stiftung analysis, 87% of respondents reported using the internet to search for health information. Women, in particular, were found to use online resources more frequently than men, with a rate of 91% compared to 83%. Similarly, those with higher levels of education were more likely to use online resources, with 95% of respondents with higher qualifications using the internet for health information, compared to 77% of those with fewer qualifications. Among the various sources used, search engines were found to be the most popular, with 87% of respondents reporting using them frequently or occasionally. Other commonly used sources include healthcare web portals (54%), AI chatbots (40%), messenger services (36%), and social media platforms (29%).
Despite the popularity of online resources, many individuals have reservations about the reliability of the information provided. The Bertelsmann Stiftung survey found that 59% of respondents have received incorrect information frequently or occasionally when using social media for health information. Similarly, 47% reported receiving incorrect information from search engines, and 41% from AI chatbots. In contrast, only 26% of those using healthcare web portals reported receiving incorrect information.
“Incorrect or misleading information on health issues can have serious consequences for individuals and society as a whole,” says Daniela Schwarzer, executive member of the Bertelsmann Stiftung. “That’s why it’s more important than ever to establish trustworthy sources of health information on the internet, and to continuously improve and identify them in a transparent way.”
To address these concerns, the Bertelsmann Stiftung has joined forces with the Austrian National Public Health Institute (Gesundheit Österreich GmbH) and Switzerland’s Careum Stiftung to establish the “InfoCure” non-profit initiative. The goal of this initiative is to develop an international certification system that objectively evaluates providers of health information based on scientific indicators. This certification will help digital applications identify trustworthy sources of health information. The “Nature Medicine Commission Quality Health Information for All,” which includes 24 international experts, including Daniela Schwarzer, will oversee the development of these indicators.
For more information on the “InfoCure” initiative, please contact Sebastian Schmidt-Kaehler at sebastian.schmidt-kaehler@bertelsmann-stiftung.de or by phone at +49 52 41 81 81 863.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.