The Latest Findings from the Health Information National Trends Survey: Key Takeaways for Healthcare Providers

The Latest Findings from the Health Information National Trends Survey: Key Takeaways for Healthcare Providers

The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) is a biennial survey conducted by the National Cancer Institute to assess trends in the use of health information among the U.S. population. The latest findings from HINTS 5 provide some key takeaways for healthcare providers to consider when communicating with patients.

One of the main findings is that patients are increasingly using the internet to access health information. In fact, 81% of respondents reported using the internet to look up health information in the past year. This highlights the importance of healthcare providers to consider the quality and accuracy of online health information and to provide reliable sources for patients to consult.

Another interesting finding is that patients are interested in receiving health information through social media. 32% of respondents said they would like to receive health information through social media channels, such as Facebook or Twitter. This presents an opportunity for healthcare providers to engage with patients through social media, but also highlights the need for caution when sharing health information online.

The survey also found that patients value communication with their healthcare providers. 70% of respondents said they thought it was important to have a healthcare provider who listens carefully to them, while 65% said it was important to have a healthcare provider who explains things in a way they can understand. These findings emphasize the importance of strong communication skills for healthcare providers and the need to tailor their communication style to each patient.

Furthermore, HINTS 5 revealed that patients are increasingly using mobile devices to access health information. 37% of respondents reported using a smartphone to look up health information in the past year. This highlights the importance of healthcare providers to consider mobile-friendly communication when providing health information to patients.

In conclusion, the latest findings from the Health Information National Trends Survey provide valuable insights for healthcare providers when communicating with patients. The increasing use of the internet and social media to access health information, along with the continued importance placed on effective communication and mobile-friendly content, should be taken into account by healthcare providers when developing their communication strategies.