Auditing digital health misinformation risks in ICU settings: A governance perspective on clinical decision-making

This study examines the intersection between critical care nursing and digital media, focusing on how online health information influences clinical decision-making and patient outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. With the rapid expansion of digital media platforms, patients and their families increasingly rely on online sources to obtain medical information, which has introduced new complexities into clinical environments, particularly in high-risk settings such as ICUs. The study adopts a qualitative analytical approach based on a systematic thematic review of recent literature published between 2023 and 2026 in the fields of critical care nursing, digital health communication, and health misinformation. It explores how exposure to online health content shapes family expectations, affects trust in healthcare professionals, and influences clinical decisions. The findings indicate that digital media plays a dual role, acting as both a supportive informational tool and a source of risk due to the spread of misinformation. The study reveals that misinformation can lead to delayed treatment decisions, increased conflict between healthcare providers and families, and additional psychological and professional pressure on nursing staff. The study concludes that critical care nurses are increasingly required to function not only as clinical practitioners but also as mediators of health information. It highlights the need for integrating digital communication competencies and media literacy into nursing practice to enhance patient safety and improve clinical outcomes in ICU settings. From a governance perspective, these findings highlight the need for structured auditing mechanisms to manage digital health information risks.