Health content deserves a higher bar than general lifestyle content. This policy explains how we handle it, including what we do before a clinician has reviewed a guide.
Current status#
At launch, none of our health guides have been medically reviewed. They are labelled Evidence-informed, which means they have been researched and checked against the public sources listed on each page, but not signed off by a clinician.
We are building an advisory panel of Australian health professionals. When a guide has been reviewed, we will:
- change the label to Medically reviewed
- name the reviewer and their relevant qualifications
- add the review date
- keep the sources and update history visible
We will not use the label before that happens.
What “medically reviewed” means#
A medically reviewed guide has been read by a qualified clinician who has checked it for:
- clinical accuracy
- safety and appropriate escalation advice
- current Australian guidance
- clarity about what is general information and what needs individual assessment
- harmful omissions or misleading claims
The reviewer does not write the guide, and they do not take responsibility for your individual care. Their role is to check that the general information is accurate and safe.
Who can review#
Reviewers must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and have relevant experience in the subject area. Depending on the guide, that might be a:
- general practitioner
- paediatrician
- midwife
- child and family health nurse
- dietitian
- physiotherapist
- psychologist
- pharmacist
We will name the reviewer and their role on the page. We will not use vague labels like “medically approved” or “doctor-endorsed” without a name and a date.
The review process#
- Scope and sources. We send the reviewer the draft, the sources and a summary of the claims that need checking.
- Review. The reviewer comments on accuracy, safety, tone and escalation advice.
- Revision. The editor makes the changes and documents any disagreements.
- Sign-off. The reviewer confirms the final version and the date.
- Publication. The page shows the reviewer, their role and the review date.
- Re-review. Health guides are reviewed at least annually, or sooner if the guidance changes.
What medical review does not mean#
- It does not mean the guide is personalised to your child.
- It does not replace a consultation, examination or diagnosis.
- It does not cover every possible condition, treatment or complication.
- It does not transfer clinical responsibility to the reviewer.
If your child is unwell, contact your GP, child and family health nurse or healthdirect. In an emergency, call 000.
Before a guide is reviewed#
Health guides that have not been medically reviewed are still researched carefully. We:
- use current Australian government and clinical guidance
- avoid dosing instructions and personalised treatment plans
- include clear red flags and escalation advice
- distinguish general information from personal advice
- date the page and list the sources
- correct errors promptly
If a topic cannot be covered safely without clinical input, we will not publish it until a reviewer is available.
Disagreements and corrections#
If a reviewer and the editorial team disagree, we document the disagreement and resolve it in favour of the more cautious, evidence-based position. If new evidence emerges, we update the guide and note the change.
If you believe a health guide is inaccurate or unsafe, email hello@bubs.com.au with the page and the concern. We will prioritise the review.
Join the advisory panel#
We are looking for Australian clinicians who want to help parents get accurate, calm information. If that is you, email hello@bubs.com.au with your AHPRA registration, area of practice and a short note about why you want to be involved.