Why Were Half of Patients Anxious to Talk with Their Doctor in 2022?

The report found that half of the patient-provider relationships leave patients feeling anxious, making them hesitant to talk frankly about their health concerns.

 

The patient-provider relationship is a cornerstone of healthcare, but many people feel anxious and fearful when they interact with their doctors.

 

According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the percentage of doctor-patient interactions marked with anxiety is projected to rise from 31 percent in 2012 to 50 percent in 2022.

 

A recent survey of 2,000 patients by OnePoll found that 51% were afraid to have conversations with healthcare providers about their health concerns and underlying symptoms.

 

This increase is concerning for a number of reasons, as anxiety can have negative consequences for both patients and doctors. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the causes behind this trend and suggest ways to reduce anxiety in doctor-patient interactions.

 

Medical appointments can be a stressful experience for many people. In fact, about two-thirds of those surveyed felt anxious before going into the doctor’s office and over half said that waiting rooms or exam rooms cause them to have an increased level of nervousness as well.

 

The survey results revealed that many people do not feel comfortable communicating with their healthcare provider because they are not sure what words will be used. Additionally, seven out of ten respondents were concerned about understanding the terminology which highlights an alarming lack of patient literacy.

 

With health literacy holding serious patient safety implications, many experts agree that patients with low levels will have trouble taking care of themselves and could potentially make a self-management mistake like taking the wrong medication.

 

This is because they are not able to understand instructions or ask questions about their condition in order for it be treated effectively – this leads providers feeling insulted when requested additional information from them which prompts fear among those who do not know how much control over personal healthcare decisions we really possess as well our lack thereof.

 

When survey respondents left their appointment with a physician, they were more likely to say that the information given was not enough. They wanted further educational material about symptoms and treatment options as well as discussions on medications in general or whether it is appropriate for them at this point.

 

Final Thoughts

Improving patient health literacy levels is key to ensuring that individuals understand their medical situation and can manage their own care successfully. This requires more extensive screening to identify patients who need clarity and tailoring specific education and self-management instructions for each individual’s unique situation. The VIOS Clinic provides access to Doctors who can help you with your healthcare needs, in a safe and inviting way.