With Fondazione MSD to promote accurate information
51% of people use AI systems to obtain self-diagnoses or advice on symptoms and treatments (Doxa data, October 2025). To reduce the risk of misinformation and the resulting health risks, it is essential that patient and family associations are recognised as a point of reference for safe practices and for spreading accurate health literacy.
“Patients and the Future” is a project promoted by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale and implemented with the unconditional contribution of the Fondazione MSD. It aims to strengthen the digital skills of those who, within patient associations, deal with information and communication on health issues on a daily basis, with a specific focus on artificial intelligence. It is part of a broader commitment to training on digital health as a common good, contributing to the reduction of inequalities in access to information and the promotion of active and informed citizenship.
The course, running from October 2025 to February 2026, includes in-person activities at the Palestra dell'Innovazione in Via del Quadraro in Rome, webinars and on-demand courses. During the meetings, digital health experts will explain the opportunities and risks associated with the use of AI, demonstrate applications in the health field and guide participants in the analysis of biases and verification of news. There will also be training sessions on the most correct ways to query AI, introducing verification tools and immediately usable reliable sources. There will also be practical simulations in person: participants, divided into small groups and guided by trainers, will discuss cases of health misinformation generated by AI, with practical scenarios for searching for health information, and then create a small collective guide to good practices.
About 20 associations from Lombardy, Lazio, Tuscany, Puglia, Sicily, Emilia Romagna, Veneto and Piedmont have joined the programme.
