Why patients trust Google before they trust Healthcare providers

Why Are Patients Turning to Online Sources for Health Advice?

The Internet’s constant availability attracts patients who want to embark on their own journeys to care and self-educate on personal symptoms, conditions, and treatments. This phenomenon has gained traction, and the extent is alarming. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 58.5% of American adults searched for health and medical information online between July and December in 2022.

Many choose to self-diagnose and discover treatment options given the lack of time for appointments, long waits to get into the office, and the limited time providers have to meet with patients.

The rise in the use of smart health phone apps and online health-related resources has shown the desire of patients to manage their own health. Many of these patients opt to use the personal accounts of others, whether that be in the form of feedback, testimonials, or community forums.

The Internet is an essential source of information that helps patients learn about their possible treatment options, costs, and if seeing a doctor is worth it. Digital health resources are a fundamental aspect of the health care system that helps patients research and make informed decisions about their health care.

Why Healthcare Communication Is Falling Short

• Healthcare professionals are a trusted source of medical information. Unfortunately, many organizations struggle to communicate with patients effectively in digital environments. Technology cannot solve this problem; a culture focused on communication and patient experience is critical.

• The Consultation Time is Limited
  Healthcare providers work under strict time constraints. Due to the brevity of most healthcare appointments, patients often feel the need to seek answers to their questions elsewhere.

• Medical Language is Often Too Difficult
  Patients find some of the information healthcare providers offer difficult to understand. Some explanations are very technical, and patients leave confused, and sometimes, they search for answers elsewhere.

• Outdated Methods of Digital Engagement
  -Most healthcare organizations are stuck using traditional methods. Patients lose interest and search for answers elsewhere.

• Communication Method Gaps
  Patients have to contact healthcare providers in many different ways: websites, emails, patient portals, social media, and in-person visits.

When methods are different, so are the messages, and it either leads to distrust or at worst confusion. Better visibility and centralized information help organizations reduce communication gaps and improve user experiences.

• Too Much Post Diagnosis Education Healthcare communication is mostly focused on education after the diagnosis. Patients look for answers before their condition or situation gets worse, and they are forced to find answers digitally.These communication problems create opportunities for digital platforms especially Google to become the default source of medical information.

In fact, 77% of online health seekers begin their research at a search engine like Google, Bing, or Yahoo, rather than at a dedicated medical site.

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