Editorial Guidelines
Finding health and wellness information online is easy - it's everywhere. But finding trustworthy, relevant, actionable help can be tricky and sometimes overwhelming. Pocdoc is changing all of that. With the help of our panel of expert contributors, medical reviewers and talented editorial team - we're building a comprehensive library of content to help everyday Australians get back to feeling their best - no matter what they're dealing with.
We are dedicated to ensuring that our content is accessible, understandable and actionable so that all our readers can be confident in making well-informed decisions about their health.
We know trust is earned, so we're happy to share more about how we ensure medical accuracy and the integrity of our content.
The medical accuracy and integrity of our content is paramount to us, so all of the articles featured within our patient resources centre are vetted through our rigorous content development process- this means they are fact-checked and reviewed by medical experts before publishing.
Our strict sources and attribution guidelines also ensure that we cite and link to the primary literature in each article we publish. Our team constantly researches and monitors the health space to update and review current articles and produce new content for our readership.
"Read more about the team behind the content and the editorial process we have in place to ensure we have your back, and whatever else hurts too."
Our Editorial Leadership Team
Our editorial team is responsible for ensuring the content on Pocdoc meets the standards we set in our overall editorial policy.
The team also provides the strategic direction and planning of our content creation and works closely with our panel of expert contributors and medical reviewers to ensure the content on Pocdoc is up to date and accurate.
Editorial Contributors and Experts
We aim to construct content that is balanced and objective. To this end, we maintain a healthy relationship between many different Australian-based health practitioners - who often contribute and provide perspective from their area of medical expertise.
We also work with accredited health writers and production companies to help produce some of our content published on our site.
Whenever we include a contributor's perspective or advice within one of our articles, we clearly declare it within the footnotes.
Content Development Process
At Pocdoc, we have a clear pathway for content creation to ensure we maintain accuracy, consistency and relevance. We employ this process for each piece of content created and maintained on the Pocdoc website.
Pocdoc's content development process includes the following 6 phases:
- Plan & Research — planning sessions take place regularly to inform our content briefs.
- Write — the topic at hand is then written by one of our authors within our editorial team.
- Editorial Review — the article is then editorially reviewed by our accredited editors.
- Medically Review & Fact Check— once editorially reviewed, the article is then medically reviewed and/or fact-checked by one of our (Australian qualified) medical reviewers.
- Publish — once the review process is complete, the article is then published on our website.
- Review & Update — our articles are all regularly reviewed by our team of medical reviewers and expert contributors.
Sources and Attribution Guidelines
All of our information is evidence-based, with content supported by reliable sources. We aim to use Australian, non-commercial sources, such as:
- Australian Government department information
- Australian data and statistics
- Clinical practice guidelines
- Peer-reviewed literature
All references are listed at the end of our article, linking to the source where possible.
Content Maintenance and Quality Assurance
All of the Pocdoc content is reviewed regularly to ensure it is complete, accurate and trustworthy. We review all content within two years of first publishing, with some content reviewed more frequently due to the nature of the article. All articles are labelled with the "Last reviewed" date clearly at the top of the page to ensure complete transparency in our process.
- Content Planning: Topics are selected based on user needs, trending health issues, and clinical relevance.
- Research & Writing: Writers gather evidence from reputable sources and draft in clear, reader-friendly language.
- Medical Review: Every piece undergoes a detailed fact-check and clinical validation by licensed professionals.
- Editorial Review: Editors refine tone, structure, grammar, and readability.
Editorial Approach
Our approaches have been assembled to ensure Pocdoc's digital services and assets follow the best editorial practice and use consistent, correct, diverse and conscious language.
Diversity Commitment: Your Voice Matters Here, and we're prioritising an environment where all feel safe and supported.
We are dedicated to engaging and amplifying various voices, identities, and viewpoints across the health and wellness spectrum to provide a content culture that reflects the diversity we see in our evolving world.
We are committed to building and nurturing inclusive teams at every level, and we seek out individuals who bring unique perspectives and experiences and an eagerness to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We use inclusive language, take responsibility for and learn from mistakes, and prioritise creating a work environment where all feel safe and supported.
Conscious Language: Language is a powerful instrument that constructs the world around us and can create and remove identities. At Pocdoc, we know that language matters, and we are invested in using language to create a healthier, stronger, and more impartial world. Employing conscious language in speaking, writing, and editing reflects our awareness of and devotion to the communities that read our content.
Advertising & Sponsorship Policy
At Pocdoc, our mission is to be a trusted ally in your journey toward better health and wellbeing. We’re committed to delivering accurate, approachable, and practical content to support you and your family in making informed healthcare decisions.
All content and experiences on Pocdoc are developed under strict editorial and medical standards to ensure accuracy, transparency, and relevance. Our business generates revenue through advertising placements across our platforms, including our website, app, social media channels, and affiliated properties.
We are committed to maintaining full editorial independence. While sponsors may suggest broad topic areas of interest to our readers, Pocdoc always retains full control over editorial decisions. Advertisers do not influence the final content. In some cases, Pocdoc may collaborate with sponsors on branded or co-created materials or feature content produced by sponsors themselves.
We believe in full transparency. Below, we explain the different types of commercial relationships Pocdoc engages in. These include Advertising and Sponsorship (which may involve editorial oversight), Affiliate Links (where our editors independently select products), and Partner Programs (external collaborations not subject to editorial review). Each type is always clearly labelled for users.
This policy outlines our standards regarding how we handle advertising and sponsored content.
1. Ad Review and Approval
Pocdoc retains complete discretion over what advertisements are accepted or displayed on our platforms. We reserve the right to reject, remove, or cancel any ad at any time and for any reason. In such cases, the advertiser will be notified and provided with a brief explanation.
We also maintain full authority over ad placement and positioning across our properties, ensuring that placements do not interfere with the user experience or mislead readers.
2. Non-Endorsement of Advertised Products or Services
While ads may appear across Pocdoc properties, their presence does not imply endorsement by Pocdoc. Occasionally, our editorial team may independently review or rate products or services — these assessments are made without influence from advertisers and are strictly based on editorial criteria.
3. Restrictions on Acceptable Advertising
Pocdoc does not accept ads that are misleading, inaccurate, or inappropriate. All advertised products or services must be legally available in the marketplace.
We prohibit advertising that includes content considered fraudulent, offensive, deceptive, or discriminatory. Ads must not disparage or target individuals or groups based on age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristics.
We do not allow defamatory, libellous, or threatening material.Advertisements related to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, gambling, pornography, political campaigns, or those that mimic emergency broadcasts or news alerts are not permitted.
All ads must clearly identify the advertiser. If any ad resembles editorial content, it will be marked clearly as advertising.
4. Clear Separation of Advertising and Editorial Content
We maintain a strict distinction between editorial and advertising content. Advertisements will always be clearly labelled. Clicking an ad will either take users to the advertiser’s website or to a sponsored page hosted by Pocdoc. Any sponsored pages will clearly disclose the sponsoring party.
5. Clear Identification of Sponsored Content
Pocdoc may work with well-vetted sponsors — such as health brands, product makers, and research organisations — to offer sponsored or branded content that delivers useful, timely information to our users.
All sponsored content is subject to editorial review and follows Pocdoc’s internal quality standards. When content is created with, by, or on behalf of a sponsor, it will be clearly marked so users can distinguish it from Pocdoc’s independent editorial work.
Sponsored links or messages may also appear within articles, resource hubs, or on our social media platforms. Pocdoc is committed to ensuring these are easy to identify and not confused with our standard editorial output.
6. Affiliate Program (Product and E-commerce Links)
Occasionally, Pocdoc’s editorial team may recommend products that they believe are beneficial to readers. These recommendations are made independently and without advertiser input.
When you click on a product link within an article and make a purchase, Pocdoc may earn a commission from the retailer. This does not affect the price you pay. These affiliate relationships help support our ability to create free, high-quality content.
7. Distinguishing Partner Program Content
Pocdoc also maintains business relationships with select “Partners.” Unlike sponsors, partners provide offers or services that are not created or reviewed by the Pocdoc editorial team. As such, these do not go through our editorial or medical vetting process.
Pocdoc does not review, approve, or medically validate products or services offered by these partners. Partner content is clearly labelled and separated from Pocdoc’s original editorial content to avoid confusion.
Where relevant, you may see the following disclosure on pages that include partner content:“Pocdoc and our partners may receive a portion of revenues if you purchase using a link above.”
Additionally, some pages may include a “What’s This?” link, which offers more details about the nature of the partnership and how it works.
If you are interested in advertising with Pocdoc, please contact our partnerships team. We welcome responsible, health-aligned brands who share our values of transparency, integrity, and user-first design.
Content Disclaimer
Our Dual Role: Information and Clinical Services
The Pocdoc platform serves two main purposes:
Health Information Resource — We publish articles, images, graphics, and other materials aimed at general wellness and education.
Clinical Services — We connect patients with independent, Australian-registered telehealth professionals who deliver personalised medical care.
This disclaimer applies only to the general information provided by the Pocdoc content team. Any medical services you receive from a practitioner via the Pocdoc platform are part of a direct doctor–patient relationship and are separate from the information covered here.
For General Information Only
All content provided by Pocdoc — including text, graphics, images, videos, and other materials across our website, apps, and newsletters (“Content”) — is intended for general informational and educational use.
Although the content is developed in collaboration with qualified professionals, it is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed healthcare provider. It is general by nature and not tailored to your personal medical circumstances.
In Case of Emergency
Never rely on this website or its content in a medical emergency. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 000 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
Always Consult a Healthcare Professional
Do not delay or avoid seeking medical advice because of something you have read in our content.
You should always speak with your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider about any questions or concerns you may have about a medical condition. Before beginning any new treatment, diet, fitness plan, or wellness program, consult your healthcare professional to ensure it’s appropriate and safe for your situation.
No Endorsements or Guarantees
Pocdoc does not guarantee the accuracy, effectiveness, or safety of any treatment, product, or service mentioned in the content. Health information can change over time, and our content may not include all relevant risks, side effects, or contraindications.Pocdoc does not endorse or recommend any specific clinicians, treatments, procedures, products, or opinions referenced in the content. Any use of information found in our content is entirely at your own discretion and risk.
Part of Our Terms of Use
This Content Disclaimer forms part of Pocdoc’s broader Terms of Use and should be read in conjunction with them.
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