A new survey reveals that despite growing concerns about their health, Americans are feeling more confident in consulting a doctor about their fears.
The third annual survey of 2,000 nationally representative U.S. adults asked respondents to share their thoughts, feelings and behaviors related to the healthcare industry.
The results showed that 42% of Americans constantly worry that they have an undiagnosed health problem.
However, people are showing less fear of talking to a doctor about their health condition concerns year over year – this year, 25% admitted they are afraid to talk to their healthcare provider about their condition and symptoms; a big decrease compared to 2023 (46%) and 2022 (51%).
The survey, commissioned by PatientPoint A study conducted by Tocker Research found that one-third of Americans saw an increase in their level of trust in their healthcare providers over the past year.
Yet the increased trust in doctors has not completely eliminated the underlying fear associated with visiting a doctor. In fact, more than half (54%) of people said they feel nervous before visiting a doctor – an upward trend from 39% in 2022 and 48% in 2023.
When asked why, respondents said they were worried about being criticized (37%), being unable to afford treatment or medications (29%) or being referred to a specialist (29%).
The study found that 82% of Americans have visited their doctor in the past 12 months, and many of them described the thoughts that go through their minds before going to the doctor.
A primary concern Americans have regarding health care is lack of information: 53% said they wish they had known how to properly describe their condition and symptoms before speaking to their health care provider.
Similarly, 49% said they would like to receive more information and advice about talking to their healthcare providers.
“There is a significant opportunity to engage patients more actively in their health journey,” said Mike Collette, Founder and CEO of PatientPoint. “Connecting patients to the right information before, during, and after their visit empowers them to not only have more meaningful conversations with their doctor, but ultimately make more informed decisions about their health.”
Despite these concerns, four in five (81%) felt their healthcare provider listened to their concerns and only 37% left their appointments feeling confused, down from 48% in 2022.
Respondents also noted other positive attributes related to their recent healthcare experiences. These included: feeling more heard and respected by their doctors (66%), having an overall positive experience with their doctor (54%) and having a doctor who takes their background into account (37%).
Respondents also have greater trust in the technology used by healthcare providers. Thirty percent said they would trust the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their doctor’s office.
More than half would trust wearable devices that track and collect data about their health (59%), interactive touchscreens at their doctor’s office (57%), and remote patient monitoring through their healthcare provider (56%).
Two in three (68%) said they would trust online health portals, where they can access education and medication information tailored to their health.
More than a quarter (28%) believe their healthcare experience could be more personalized by having medication information available based on their condition, as well as having an exam room where they are greeted by name (20%) and having specific information sent to them prior to their visit (19%).
“As healthcare continues to become more personalized, the need to deliver customized information to patients at every point of their unique health journey will be paramount,” Collette said. “We know that when patients receive highly relevant content at the right time, it is an incredibly powerful motivator that results in better health outcomes.”
Survey Methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 nationally representative Americans; the survey was conducted by PatientPoint and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 15 and May 20, 2024.
