The number of GPs worried about medical misinformation in their communities has jumped, with 44 per cent now naming it a challenge in their work, up from 35 per cent last year.
The figures come from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) 2026 Health of the Nation report. It is based on a nationwide survey of more than 2,700 GPs, and highlights growing concern among frontline doctors about the impact of online misinformation and AI-generated health content on patient care.
“It is clear that patients are increasingly turning to online platforms, social media and AI-powered tools for health information before they speak with a doctor,” said RACGP President Dr Michael Wright.
“The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is making it easier for health misinformation to spread online.”
“Unfortunately, health misinformation is becoming more difficult to identify and counter as AI-generated content becomes more widespread, more personalised and more convincing.”
“Health decisions are highly personal.”
“When people rely on inaccurate online advice, it can delay diagnosis, discourage preventive healthcare, undermine trust in evidence-based medicine, and in some cases put their health at serious risk.”
The findings come as governments, regulators and health organisations grapple with both the opportunities and the risks of AI in healthcare. Government guidance states that while AI can improve diagnosis and treatment, it can also be difficult to interpret and may not perform equally well for all patients.
Dr Wright said it was crucial for AI and other new technologies to be rolled out with a focus on safety, transparency, and trust.
The RACGP is calling on the Federal Government to strengthen Australia’s evidence base for primary care and support the resources GPs rely on to provide high-quality advice. It also wants a national general practice-based research network, to generate the evidence needed to improve patient care in communities across Australia.
“If we want Australians to have access to accurate health information and the highest quality care, we must continue investing in the research, guidelines, and general practice services that support evidence-based medicine,” Dr Wright said.
Patients are encouraged to talk to their GP about any health information they find online.
“Seeing a GP directly is still the best way to access trusted, credible evidence based medical advice that takes into account your medical history, risk factors, medications and personal circumstances,” Dr Wright said.
“Every day, GPs are helping patients separate evidence-based information from myths, misinformation, and increasingly sophisticated AI-generated content.”
“General practice is often where misinformation is identified and corrected before it causes harm.”
“That trusted relationship between a patient and their GP has never been more important.”
“If you are unsure whether health information you have seen online is accurate, talk to your GP.”
More information about the Health of the Nation report is available at https://www.racgp.org.au/general-practice-health-of-the-nation.
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