A recent survey reveals that a vast majority of Americans believe they have a better grasp of their personal health than medical professionals. This trend highlights a growing confidence in AI and internet resources over traditional medical advice. [Source]
According to the survey conducted by UserTesting and OnePoll, an overwhelming 75% of American adults are now turning to the web, including healthcare websites (53%) and social media platforms (46%), for health advice.
This pattern surpasses the reliance on personal doctors, which stands at 44%. Lija Hogan, principal of enterprise research strategy at UserTesting, reflects on this phenomenon: “Americans are using AI as a means to help them navigate a complex experience with more information that is understandable and relevant to them – and that they feel is trustworthy.”
The survey also sheds light on international attitudes towards AI in healthcare. While only 6% of Americans express distrust in AI for health-related tasks, the skepticism is significantly higher in Britain (44%) and Australia (27%). This discrepancy underscores the unique trust American place in technology over traditional healthcare systems. [Source]
Many Americans are resorting to AI and online resources due to various factors: 57% cite a lack of understanding of their healthcare insurance coverage, 51% feel embarrassed by their health issues, and 45% seek a second opinion. The survey also found that 81% of those who received a diagnosis from a large language model like ChatGPT reported it as accurate after consulting a doctor.
The survey highlights a broad trust in AI, with 53% of respondents willing to accept treatment plans recommended by AI. Furthermore, an impressive 94% own smart devices capable of health tracking, and 86% actively use these devices. Sixty-two percent acknowledge that health tracking has influenced their behaviors.
There remains strong confidence in the ability of AI and tech companies to protect personal health information, with 78% expressing confidence in these entities. Major tech companies like Google (54%) and Apple (47%) are trusted with personal health data.
The shift towards digital health management signals a significant shift in how older Americans perceive and manage their health. Hogan emphasizes the need for collaboration between doctors and patients to integrate AI effectively into healthcare, especially in areas with limited access to traditional healthcare services.
This study was conducted between October 13 and October 17, 2023, involving 2,000 general population Americans. The survey employed a random double-opt-in method, ensuring a representative sample of the population.