- The healthcare industry has a credibility and trust problem, with a significant portion of people believing that an average layperson could know as much as a trained doctor with an internet search.?
- This lack of trust can lead to people relying on unvetted healthcare advice or medical misinformation, potentially harming patient outcomes and well-being.?
- The COVID-19 pandemic and changing healthcare advice have worsened this problem, leading to decreased confidence in healthcare providers and public health experts.?
- While people still trust doctors and nurses for health information, trust in non-experts is equal, with people more trusting their social circles, including family and friends.?
- People are educating themselves more about healthcare and verifying information they consume, showing a trend of stronger patient engagement and activation.?
- Providers should counsel patients on how to vet good online health information and adopt principles of patient-centered care to build trust with disaffected populations.?
- Healthcare experts can build trust by treating patients as equals, acknowledging the burden some public health messages might place on someone’s everyday life.?
- A multichannel approach to healthcare messaging tailored to varying trust levels is necessary, with high trust individuals most receptive to hearing from healthcare providers and national health authorities, while low trust individuals rely more on employers, family, and friends.?
- Community health partners, such as faith leaders, can be effective in reaching disaffected individuals.?
- Outlining one’s credentials and giving an opportunity for laypeople to ask questions is critical when interacting with less trusting individuals.?
