A new survey has revealed that, despite heightened anxieties about their health, Americans are becoming more confident in discussing their fears with their doctors.
The third annual survey of 2,000 nationally representative U.S. adults asked respondents to share their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours regarding the healthcare industry.
The results showed that 42% of Americans have a persistent anxiety that they may have an undiagnosed health condition.
However, year-on-year, fewer people are afraid to discuss their health concerns with a doctor. This year, 25% admitted they are nervous about talking to their healthcare provider about their conditions and symptoms, a significant decrease from 46% in 2023 and 51% in 2022.
The survey, commissioned by PatientPoint and conducted by Talker Research, found that a third of Americans have seen their level of trust in their healthcare provider increase over the past year.
Despite the growing trust in doctors themselves, this has not completely dispelled the inherent fear associated with visiting a doctor’s office. In fact, more than half (54%) reported feeling anxious before their appointments — an upward trend from 39% in 2022 and 48% in 2023.
When asked why, respondents cited concerns about being judged (37%), the cost of 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 expressed what preoccupies them before these visits.
One major concern for Americans regarding healthcare is a lack of information: 53% said they wished they knew how to better describe their conditions and symptoms before speaking to their healthcare provider.
Similarly, 49% said they would appreciate more guidance and advice on how to communicate with their healthcare providers.
“A significant opportunity exists to more actively engage patients in their health journey,” said PatientPoint Founder and CEO Mike Collette. “Connecting patients with the right education before, during and after their visit empowers them to not only have more meaningful conversations with their doctor but ultimately make more informed decisions regarding their health.”
Despite these concerns, four in five respondents (81%) felt that their healthcare provider listens to their concerns, and only 37% left their appointments feeling confused, a reduction from 48% in 2022.
Respondents also noted other positive aspects of 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 were also found to have increased 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.
Over half said they would trust wearables that track and collect health data (59%), interactive touchscreens in their doctor’s office (57%), and remote patient monitoring through their healthcare provider (56%).
Two-thirds (68%) said they would trust online health portals where they can access educational and medication information tailored to their health needs.
More than a quarter (28%) believe their healthcare experience could be more personalised by having tailored medication information based on their condition, as well as being welcomed by name in the exam room (20%) and receiving tailored educational materials before their visit (19%).
“As healthcare continues to become more personal, the need to give patients tailored information at every point along their unique health journey will be paramount,” said Collette. “We know when patients receive highly relevant content at the right time, it’s an incredibly powerful motivator that results in better health outcomes.”
