IFPHOR0211 A Local Approach to Address Global Misinformation: Investing in Frontline Health Care Workers’ Resilience in Malta

The global proliferation of health misinformation and shifting communication dynamics across country borders is increasingly challenging health systems and eroding institutional trust at local level. In the modern “algorithmic age,” the digital information environment acts as a critical determinant of public health. To safeguard public health resilience both locally and globally, the health workforce must acquire advanced digital, interpersonal, and information-environment literacy to effectively counteract misinformation and guide their own and their patients’ decisions.Equipping Malta’s health care workforce with the capabilities to actively navigate the contemporary information environment, by identifying workforce skill gaps, developing a targeted training curriculum, and establishing a sustainable community of practice.A national, mixed-methods needs assessment will be conducted across various health professions to identify existing vulnerabilities and skill gaps. These insights will inform the design of an evidence-based curriculum and a practical set of tools featuring fact-checking workflows, misinformation triage pathways, and empathetic communication strategies. Implementation will utilize a train-the-trainer model, using a hybrid approach. Furthermore, a peer-driven community of practice will be established for ongoing mentorship, supported by pre- and post-training evaluations to monitor impact.The programme aims to create a self-maintaining digitally competent health workforce capable of identifying, analysing, and mitigating health misinformation. By embedding practical set of tools and fostering peer-learning networks, the initiative aims to reinforce public trust in health institutions. This project should ultimately provide a scalable, low-cost blueprint for global health systems seeking to strengthen workforce resilience, ensure patient safety, and align with international frameworks on managing the information environment.