InfoQ: Certifying credible providers of digital health information

Abstract Background Access to accurate health information is crucial. Despite the abundance of information online, sorting through it can be overwhelming, especially with the spread of misinformation. This poses a threat to public health and challenges health literacy. Efforts to combat misinformation are struggling due to the rapid growth of available information. We need complementary strategies, such as promoting trustworthy information sources. An initiative by Bertelsmann Stiftung, aims to counter misinformation by promoting health information from credible sources. Methods In 2021, the U.S. National Academy of Medicine outlined principles for identifying credible health information sources, endorsed globally by the WHO and embraced by the social media industry. However, these principles lack operationalization, leaving indicators for credibility undefined. To address this gap, Bertelsmann Stiftung, in collaboration with German experts, conducted workshops in 2023 to draft evaluation criteria. Their ongoing work, alongside initiatives by the Careum Foundation and Gesundheit Österreich GmbH will be presented. Results The criteria focus on structure (e.g., the expertise of providers) and process (e.g., methods for identifying relevant evidence) rather than outcome (i.e., the quality of each piece of information), and are based on the domains science-basis, transparency and legitimacy. Mandatory and complementary criteria allow a two-step approach to identify health information providers of good quality (meeting all mandatory criteria) and excellent quality (meeting all criteria). Conclusions These criteria build the basis of the establishment of an international certification system and represent a crucial measure to combat misinformation and promote population health literacy. Various international partners and social platforms have already reached a strong consensus on the relevance of the project goals and expressed their willingness to deepen their efforts in this regard.