Americans worried about their health, worried doctors will judge them: survey

A new survey has found that despite increased anxiety about their health, Americans feel more confident consulting their doctor about their fears.

The third annual survey of 2,000 nationally representative adults asked respondents to share their thoughts, feelings and behaviors about the health care industry.

The results revealed that 42% of Americans have ongoing anxiety about having an undiagnosed health condition.

However, people are showing less fear in talking about their health concerns with a doctor year on year – this year, 25% admitted they are afraid to talk to their health care provider about their conditions and symptoms; a big drop from 2023 (46%) and 2022 (51%).

The survey, commissioned by PatientPoint and conducted by Talker Research, found that one-third of Americans have seen their level of trust in their health care provider increase over the past year.

However, increased trust in doctors themselves has not completely erased the inherent fear associated with visiting the doctor’s office. In fact, more than half (54%) said they feel a sense of anxiety before appointments with their doctor—a trend up from 39% in 2022 and 48% in 2023.

When asked why, respondents said they were worried about being judged (37%), not being able to afford treatment or medication (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 have expressed what’s on their mind before the visit.

A top concern about Americans’ health care is a lack of information: 53% said they wish they knew how to properly describe their conditions and symptoms better before talking to their health care provider .

Likewise, 49% said they would like more information and advice on how to talk to their health care providers.

“There is a significant opportunity to more actively involve 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 about their health.”

Despite these concerns, four in five (81%) felt like 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 health care experiences. They included: feeling more listened to and respected by their doctors (66%), having an overall positive experience with their doctor (54%) and having a doctor consider their past (37%) .

Respondents were also found to have more confidence in the technology that healthcare providers use. Thirty percent said they would trust the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their doctor’s office.

Over half would trust wearable devices that track and collect data about their health (59%), interactive touch screens in the doctor’s office (57%) and remote monitoring of patients 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 can be more personalized by having medication information tailored to their condition, as well as having an exam room that welcomes them by name (20 %) and tailored education that is sent before them. visited (19%).

“As healthcare continues to become more personalized, the need to provide patients with tailored information at every point along their unique healthcare journey will be paramount,” said Collette. “We know that when patients receive highly relevant content at the right time, it’s an incredibly powerful motivator that results in better health outcomes.”

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 nationally represented Americans; the survey was commissioned by PatientPoint and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 15 and May 20, 2024.