Promote a reliable source as a matter of course.
There is a lot of information out there, and your readers, listeners or viewers can be easily overwhelmed. Use a reliable source, and name that source in your reporting.
Information should be evidence-based and up-to-date. It is important to help people find reliable information. NPS MedicineWise has tips for consumers about where to find information about health conditions, medicines, tests and treatments and information on how medicines are approved in Australia.
Some examples of trustworthy sources
- NPS MedicineWise: Independent, not-for-profit and evidence based, NPS MedicineWise enables better decisions about medicines, medical tests and other health technologies. NPS MedicineWise receives funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.
- Department of Health: The Australian Government Department of Health seeks to promote, develop and fund health services for the Australian public.
- Therapeutic Goods Administration: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is part of the Australian Government Department of Health and is responsible for regulating therapeutic goods including prescription medicines, vaccines, sunscreens, vitamins and minerals, medical devices, blood and blood products.
- Better Health Channel: Better Health Channel provides health and medical information that is quality assured, regularly reviewed and up to date. It is fully funded by the Victorian Government.
- healthdirect: healthdirect Australia helps provide all Australians with access to trusted professional health information without time or geographic restrictions. Services include the healthdirect Nurse Helpline and health information, after hours GP helpline, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, mindhealthconnect, the National Health Services Directory and My Aged Care.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: The biennial ‘Australia’s Health’ reports are the most comprehensive and authoritative source of national information on health in Australia.
- The Cochrane Collaboration: This is a not-for-profit, global, independent network of health practitioners, researchers, patient advocates and others, working to make evidence generated through research useful for informing decisions about health.
- BPAC New Zealand: is an independent, not-for-profit organisation whose role is to deliver educational and continuing professional development programs to medical practitioners and other health professional groups throughout New Zealand.
- Ministry of Health, New Zealand: The New Zealand government ministry works across the health sector to deliver better health outcomes for New Zealanders.
- Health Navigator New Zealand: A not-for-profit community initiative to provide one place for New Zealanders to find reliable and trustworthy information and self-care resources.
Peak bodies for particular conditions or patient groups are important sources of reliable information for a particular topic.
NPS MedicineWise has information to help consumers find reliable information about medicines.
Choosing Wisely Australia has five questions to ask your doctor or healthcare provider.