By Mark Kawalya
As more people turn to Youtube for health-care advise, the platform has set in place measures to tackle misinformation in some countries. Canada is the latest to be added to the list. The platform has started to verify the credentials of health-care content creators in the country. This will ensure that only licensed and trusted professionals, including doctors, nurses, and mental health experts, are providing information on YouTube Health.
Dr. Garth Graham, a cardiologist and the global head of YouTube Health, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “There are billions of views on health content in Canada. It is clear Canadians rely on our platform for health information. We are committed to providing them with high-quality, reliable content.”
Launched in Canada in 2022, YouTube Health aims to simplify access to trustworthy health information. The platform collaborates with reputable health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.
As of May 16, Canadian health content creators can apply to receive a verification label. This will indicate their status as licensed professionals. This label will be prominently displayed on their content, reassuring viewers of its credibility. Dr. Graham shared this update noting the program’s expansion into Canada from other countries like the United States, Germany, Japan, and Brazil.
Timothy Caulfield, a Canada Research Chair in health law and policy at the University of Alberta, supports this move. He highlighted the urgency of combating health misinformation, which is prevalent online. “Health misinformation is killing people. Platforms like YouTube are key sources of information. Ensuring the accuracy of health content is crucial.”
One notable content creator benefiting from this initiative is Dr. Siobhan Deshauer, an internal medicine physician in Toronto. Her YouTube channel covers medical mysteries, health advice, and patient interviews. She has amassed over one million subscribers and 40 million views since its inception seven years ago. Dr. Deshauer started her channel to make health information more accessible and less intimidating, addressing a clear need among Canadians.
Dr. Graham explained that people often turn to YouTube for health information when they cannot reach their doctors, especially during late hours. YouTube Health aims to ensure that the initial sources they encounter are credible and evidence-based, aiding their overall health journey.
To be accredited on YouTube Health, professionals must undergo a stringent verification process to meet the platform’s standards for accuracy and expertise. These standards are based on principles developed by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS), and the WHO. Accredited professionals will have a distinct label on their videos and enjoy enhanced visibility, as YouTube’s algorithm will prioritize their content in search results.
