The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) is a biennial survey conducted by the National Cancer Institute that provides a wealth of information on health communication trends and behaviors in the American public. The latest report, released in 2018, sheds light on some interesting insights for healthcare providers.
One key finding is that patients are increasingly turning to the internet for health information. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported using the internet to gather health information, up from just over half in the previous survey conducted in 2014. This highlights the importance of healthcare providers making accurate and reliable information available online.
Additionally, the survey found that patients are increasingly seeking out health information on social media platforms. 41% of respondents reported using social media for health-related purposes, up from 25% in the 2014 survey. This trend suggests that healthcare providers could benefit from having a strong presence on social media and providing valuable information in this space.
Another interesting finding from the survey is that patients who perceive their healthcare providers as having good communication skills are more likely to trust their providers and follow their recommendations. This emphasizes the importance of clear and effective communication between providers and patients.
The survey also revealed some disparities in health information-seeking behaviors among different demographic groups. For example, younger adults and those with higher levels of education and income were more likely to use the internet for health information. This underscores the need for healthcare providers to be aware of these differences and tailor their communication efforts accordingly.
In conclusion, the latest HINTS survey provides valuable insights for healthcare providers in understanding patient behaviors and preferences when it comes to health information. By recognizing the importance of online and social media presence, effective communication skills, and different demographic trends, providers can better serve their patients and improve health outcomes.
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