Patients want providers they can trust to help clarify complex medical information
Americans are turning to the internet and artificial intelligence (AI) in record numbers to obtain health information. But a new national survey released by the American Nurses Association says many people aren’t sure the information they find is accurate or trustworthy.® (AANP).
More than 80% of Americans report searching for health information online, but only 11% say it’s very easy to tell if that information is trustworthy, and just 12% are very confident in its accuracy. Trust in AI-powered tools and chatbots is even lower, with only 5% having very high confidence in their accuracy.
Access to information has expanded, but trust has not kept pace. More than half of Americans (51%) say they are unsure whether they have the information they need to make health care decisions for themselves or their family members.
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“These findings highlight a growing challenge as patients increasingly rely on the internet and AI for answers: Access to information does not necessarily translate to confidence and clarity,” said AANP President Valerie Fuller, DNP. “Patients still want a healthcare provider they can trust who will take the time to listen to them, explain their options, and guide their care with support and assurance.”
That trust remains an important factor. Nearly 6 in 10 Americans (57%) say they are very confident in the information they receive directly from their health care provider, significantly higher than their trust in online sources.
Patients also report that clear communication and time with their healthcare provider is one of the most important aspects of care, with “explaining things clearly” consistently ranking as a top priority across demographics.
As patients seek support navigating increasingly complex health information, nurse practitioners (NPs) play a critical role in helping individuals interpret information, understand options, and make informed decisions about their care.
For more than half a century, NPs have provided patient-centered care that prioritizes communication, education, and holistic treatment. NPs diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, prescribe medications, and work closely with patients to help them understand their health status and make confident treatment decisions.
“Patients consistently say they value health care providers who take the time to work with them on their health,” Fuller said. “As health information becomes more complex and the use of AI continues to increase, it is more important than ever that patients have access to trusted healthcare providers who can help them separate fact from misinformation and make informed decisions.”
Reflecting this growing demand, nearly three in four Americans (73%) support policies that would make it easier to choose NPs as health care providers. Decades of peer-reviewed research have demonstrated that NPs provide high-quality, safe, and effective care with excellent patient outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction.
What patients need to know when using online or AI health information
- Please check the source. Not all online or AI-generated information is accurate or based on clinical evidence.
- Use the information as a starting point, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Online tools can inform your questions, but they cannot replace personalized medicine.
- Consult with a trusted provider. A qualified nurse who knows your health history can help you interpret the information and make safe and appropriate care decisions.
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