Current Status and Directions for Improvement of the National Health Information Portal

This study analyzed the current operation of the National Health Information Portal, which provides trustworthy evidence-based health information to the public, to propose directions for improvement in response to the evolving artificial intelligence (AI)-based search environment and increasing demand for personalized health information.

To examine Portal operation, we reviewed project reports, internal planning documents, content management system data, Google Analytics 4 statistics, and triennial quality assessment results produced by the Seoul National University R&DB Foundation, which has managed the project since 2018. Relevant policy documents and domestic and international best practices were also analyzed to identify directions for improvement.

The Portal operates to achieve its core values of "verified, easy-to-understand, and integrated information" through a standardized authoring and review system. It enhances reliability and accessibility by developing life cycle-based customized content, providing plain language explanations and summaries, and establishing an ontology- and metadata-based management framework. User engagement has been strengthened by improvements in user interfaces, newsletters, and interactive events.

In response to expanding AI-based search availability, the Portal has implemented a Generative Engine Optimization strategy and is exploring strategies to more effectively provide personalized health information in the future, including connectivity with national personal health record systems. The Portal will continue to strengthen its role as a leading public platform that improves health literacy and promotes healthy lifestyle practices in the population.