A recent Gallup poll indicates a significant decline in Americans’ trust in various components of the healthcare system. The 2023 Health and Healthcare Survey reveals a sharp decrease in confidence in pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, physicians, and health insurance providers.
- Pharmaceutical Companies: Less than 30% of respondents believed that pharmaceutical companies provide good care, a substantial drop from 53% in 2003.
- Hospitals: Trust in hospitals has fallen from 70% in 2003 to 58% in 2023.
- Physicians: While still holding a majority at 69%, the approval rating for physicians has decreased from 81% in 2003.
- Health Insurance Companies: The decline is evident, with only 31% believing health insurance companies provide excellent or good care, down from 42% in 2010.
Possible Causes:
- Higher Healthcare Costs: The survey suggests that increased healthcare costs and staff shortages may be contributing factors to this decline in trust.
- Pandemic Impact: The ongoing pandemic and associated vaccine mandates could also be influencing people’s perceptions of the healthcare system.
- Financial Barriers: About 4 in 10 U.S. adults reported delaying or forgoing needed medical treatments due to high healthcare costs, contributing to medical debt.
Nursing Homes: Trust in nursing homes has also diminished, with only 25% believing they provide excellent or good care. Concerns about the quality of care, cost, and fear of losing independence are cited as primary reasons.
Nurses: Despite challenges such as burnout, mental health concerns, and staffing issues, nurses remain the most trusted healthcare providers, with 82% of respondents expressing confidence in their care.
Overall Trust in U.S. Institutions: The Gallup poll indicates a broader decline in trust across various U.S. institutions. Faith in the medical system has dropped from 44% in 2021 to 34% in 2023, nearing its all-time low of 31% in 2007.
While the healthcare system remains one of the most trusted institutions in the U.S., concerns about its overall decline in public trust are evident. Other trusted institutions include small businesses, the military, the police, and organized religion.
The findings underscore the need for addressing the challenges within the healthcare system to restore public confidence and ensure the delivery of quality care.