Health misinformation and its consequences: A critical conversation

In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly online, shaping public perceptions of health and science, experts are coming together for a town hall discussion to examine the consequences of false health narratives and explore strategies to promote evidence-based decision-making.

The public event, hosted by the O’Brien Institute for Public Health in collaboration with other Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) research institutes, will take place March 4 at 6:30 p.m. and will feature leading experts in public health, science communication, and evidence-based medicine.

“Misinformation is not just an abstract problem — it has real-world health consequences,” says Timothy Caulfield, a professor in the Faculty of Law and the School of Public Health, and research director of the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta. 

“It’s fueling vaccine hesitancy, promoting harmful alternative treatments, and eroding trust in health institutions. At this event, we’ll discuss how misinformation spreads, why people believe it, and how we can foster constructive conversations that promote trust.”

Narratives embedded in online platforms and social media

Caulfield, a frequent commentator on misinformation and health, and a bestselling author, will highlight how misinformation is deeply embedded in online platforms and social media algorithms, creating echo chambers that reinforce false beliefs. 

“Social media plays a huge role in amplifying misinformation,” he says.

"We've seen harmful health misinformation spread across various platforms, from online forums to influencer posts and even bestselling books."

Joining him is Dr. Jeremy Grimshaw, PhD, a global expert on knowledge translation and evidence-based health care. He will discuss the importance of ensuring that health policies and medical decisions are guided by strong scientific evidence, particularly in times of crisis.

“We now have more scientific knowledge than ever before, yet that knowledge is often inaccessible or difficult to interpret,” says Grimshaw, a senior scientist emeritus in the Clinical Epidemiology Program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and an emeritus professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Ottawa.

“One of the challenges we face is ensuring that both health professionals and the public can distinguish between high-quality evidence and misleading claims.”

An opportunity for dialogue

The town hall’s panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Pamela Roach, PhD, acting scientific director at the O’Brien Institute, will provide a space for public engagement and discussion.

“I think we are bombarded every day with more and more information, and it can be hard to know who and what to trust. This town hall will create a safe space where people can ask the questions they may be hesitant to ask elsewhere and have a meaningful conversation about how to navigate today’s information landscape,” says Roach.

The event will feature a panel of experts, including Dr. Cora Constantinescu, MD, a pediatric infectious disease physician; Dr. Craig Jenne, PhD, a professor in microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases at the CSM; and Dr. Myles Leslie, PhD, a health policy researcher at the School of Public Policy. Together, they will address audience questions and explore the intersection of misinformation, politics, and public health.

Key questions to be addressed 

• Why do people believe false health claims, even when presented with strong evidence to the contrary?
• What role do social media platforms play in spreading misinformation?
• How can individuals critically assess health information online?

While misinformation is a complex challenge, Caulfield says that solutions exist.

“It’s going to take a multi-pronged approach — debunking myths, promoting critical thinking, improving science communication, and fostering trust in health institutions,” he says. “We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of misinformation.”

Grimshaw echoes the importance of supporting evidence-based decision-making. “We need to ensure that policymakers and the public have access to reliable, high-quality health information,” he says.

“That means investing in knowledge translation, supporting rapid evidence reviews, and working collaboratively to counter misinformation.”

Event open to the public and free

The discussion is open to anyone interested in understanding the impact of misinformation and learning how to engage with health information more critically.

“This is a conversation that affects everyone,” says Roach.

“The more we understand misinformation, the better equipped we are to make informed health decisions for ourselves and our communities.”