Desenvolvimento e validação de consenso de especialistas voltado para pessoas idosas sobre estratégias de enfrentamento às infodemias

Abstract

Objective: To identify and validate strategies for coping with the infodemic adapted to the elderly population. Method: An international multicenter study was conducted in Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, and Portugal, as part of a broader research project. The Delphi technique was used in two rounds, based on the sequential application of questionnaires to experts, with controlled feedback, aiming at building consensus. Participants were professionals with experience and scientific production in the areas of geriatrics and gerontology. The strategies were organized into four categories: daily life of the elderly, role of health professionals, role of content creators, and responsibilities of health service managers. Results: There was a high level of consensus among the experts. Digital and health literacy stood out as a central axis in coping with the infodemic. Strong agreement was observed regarding the importance of continuous educational actions, accessible and reliable content, encouragement of information verification, and institutional policies for monitoring and responding to misinformation. Conclusion: Despite methodological limitations, this study contributes to the formulation of inclusive strategies and public policies, strengthening the resilience of the elderly population in the face of health misinformation.