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Doctors central to restoring public trust: Study


Chelsea Heaney


29/07/2024 4:43:15 PM

Around 95% of people trust their GP for health information over scientists and government agencies, new research has shown.

A smiling GP is speaking to a patient.
The research says the implications of these findings are significant for public health communication strategies.

New research suggests doctors are at the forefront of helping people understand and trust medical information, and should be used to guide public health decision making.
 
The analysis investigated the globally decreasing levels of public confidence in information from health organisations and governments, and an associated decline in adherence to expert recommendations.
 
‘Patients look to their physician to act in their best interest, provide accurate interpretation of tests and signs and symptoms, and make appropriate treatment recommendations,’ the researchers concluded.
 
‘Emphasising physician–patient relationship is essential for maintaining public trust in health experts and ensuring the effective dissemination of health recommendations.’
 
The US study looks at survey responses from 5842 adults and asked how much they trust differing kinds of medical practitioners, how often they thought expert recommendations seem to change or shift over time, and how often they contradict or conflict.
 
‘Patient trust is critical to the provision of healthcare … this effect of declining trust is not limited to the US,’ it reads.
 
The findings show there is high trust in doctors for health information and advice, with 95% of respondents trusting their recommendations.
 
This is compared to 84% in scientists and 70% in government health agencies.
 
Just 18% trust what they see about health information on social media.
 
According to researchers, the evolving scientific process confuses the public and can lower trust in government health agencies.
 
RACGP President Nicole Higgins welcomed the findings.
 
‘This evidence shows that a trusted relationship between you, your GP and their team is the one thing that helps you live a healthier, happier and longer life,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘GPs are the trusted advisor to help people navigate their patients through the healthcare system.
 
‘Relationships build trust and GPs know their patients and their families over time, they put them at the centre of decisions.’
 
The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the public’s level of distrust in the government and deepened political chasms on health-related topics.
 
‘Perceptions of conflict among experts over recommendations is likely playing a role in the erosion of trust in health experts,’ it said.
 
The authors advocate for using GPs to help patients better understand medical recommendations to restore trust in public health messages.
 
‘The findings underscore the high level of stable trust in doctors as sources of health information and the importance of consistency and clarity in health messaging, especially from authoritative sources such as government health agencies and scientists,’ it reads.
 
‘The high level of trust in doctors as sources of health information, compared to lower trust levels in scientists and government health agencies, suggests that personal relationships and direct interactions with healthcare providers play a crucial role.’
 
The new research adds to mounting evidence that a regular doctor can improve a patients’ long-term outcomes.
 
A study published recently in the British Journal of General Practice found living in areas with more fully qualified GPs and better-funded clinics has a positive impact on life expectancy.
 
Dr Higgins said the findings here need to be considered ‘as the primary care system is being reformed’.
 
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ethics general practice GP–patient relationship health information research trusted profession


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Dr Christine Barstad   30/07/2024 7:22:08 PM

Great information and very positive. Thanks for posting.