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Survey shows patient confusion about qualifications of health care professionals
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Survey results announced by the American Medical Association show that although 83% of Americans surveyed prefer that a physician be primarily responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of their care, many reported confusion regarding the qualifications of health care professionals.
“A physician-led team approach to care with each member of the health care team playing the role they are educated and trained to play is key to ensuring patients receive high quality care, and most Americans agree,” American Medical Association (AMA) Board Member, Rebecca Patchin, MD, stated in an association press release. “Although 90% of those surveyed said that a medical doctor’s additional years of education and training are vital to optimal patient care, the survey found much confusion about the qualifications of health care professionals.”
The 2010 results of the Truth in Advertising survey revealed that 44% of the 850 adults questioned noted that it was not easy to identify whether individuals were licensed medical doctors by reading their offered services, titles or other licensing credentials in advertisements. When asked, “Is this person a medical doctor?” 84% of respondents answered yes regarding orthopedic surgeons; 93% for obstetricians and 91% for primary care physicians. However, the survey showed that nearly 25% of respondents were unsure whether otolaryngologists and audiologists were medical doctors.
The survey also found that 87% of respondents would support legislation that required health care promotions to clarify the qualifications of professionals advertising their services, according to the release.
Patchin noted that recently introduced bills that ban misleading ads by health care professionals, such as the Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2011, may help dispel the confusion.
“The Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act would help provide clarity in health care advertisements and marketing,” Patchin stated. “Patients deserve clear and accurate information to make informed decisions about who they choose to provide their care.”
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