Surveys of Trust in the U.S.
Health Care System
ABIM Foundation
05.21.21
2
SURVEYS OF TRUST : OVERVIEW
The American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation
commissioned NORC to conduct surveys of trust in the U.S. health
care system
General Public Survey
• The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak’s panel to a representative
sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021
– Included oversamples by race and ethnicity
Physician Survey
• The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partner to a non-probability sample of
600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021
3
SURVEYS OF TRUST : OVERVIEW
Sample Demographics—General Population
Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
Demographic
%
Margin of Error
MOE ± 3.15
Race/Ethnicity
Asian 6.3
Black 12.3
Hispanic 17.1
White 64.3
Age
18-34 29.1
35-49 24.2
50-64 24.8
65+ 21.9
Income
Less Than $29,999 27.5
$30,000 to $74,999 37.9
$75,000 to $124,999 22.2
$125,000+ 12.4
Sex
Male 48.5
Female 51.5
4
SURVEYS OF TRUST : OVERVIEW
Sample Demographics—Physicians
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
Demographic
N
%
Specialty
PCP/Pediatrics
350
58
Sub-Specialists
250
41
Setting
Hospital
170
28
Office or Other Setting
43
72
5
SURVEYS OF TRUST : HIGH-LEVEL FINDINGS
Key Findings
1. Trust in clinicians is greater than in the health care system as a whole
2. Physician trust decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic; rebuilding trust is
needed
3. Physicians understand the importance of building trust with patients, but
they do not always perform trust-building behaviors
Trust in Clinicians Is Greater Than in the
Health Care System as a Whole
7
TRUST : HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
The PublicPhysicians
Physician Question: In general, how much do you trust the health care system as a whole?
General Public Question: In general, how much do you trust the health care system as a whole?
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of
600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021. The general public survey was
fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from
December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
Physicians and the public have comparable levels of trust in the
health care system as a whole
17%
Neither
Trust Nor
Distrust
63%
Completely/
Somewhat
Trust
20%
Slightly/Completely
Distrust
19%
Neither
Trust Nor
Distrust
64%
Completely/
Somewhat
Trust
17%
Slightly/Completely
Distrust
8
TRUST : FRONTLINE CLINICIANS
Doctors and patients trust clinicians more than other parts of the health
care system
For the general public, trust is highest for
clinicians—doctors (84%) and nurses (85%)*
For physicians, they trust doctors within their
primary place of work and nurses the most
compared to other health care entities*
Physician Question: In general, how much do you trust…? (Completely Trust/ Somewhat
Trust) General Public Question: In general, how much do you trust …? (Completely Trust/
Somewhat Trust) * Statistically significant at p<0.05.
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of
600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021. The general public survey was
fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from
December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
94%
85%
89%
80%
*
77%
*
66%
*
Doctors Within Practice
Doctors Outside Practice
Nurses
Healthcare Organization Staff
Hospital or Healthcare Facility
Healthcare Organization
Leaders and Executives
84%
85%
72%
*
64%
*
56%
*
34%
*
33%
*
Doctors
Nurses
Hospitals
Health Care System as a Whole
Government Agencies
Pharmaceutical Companies
Health Insurance Companies
The PublicPhysicians
Direct Care
Indirect Care
Direct Care
Indirect Care
9
TRUST : DIRECT VS INDIRECT CARE
19%
*
47%
*
78%
*
60%
33%
*
34%
*
56%
*
72%
Health Insurance Companies
Pharmaceutical Companies
Government Agencies
Hospitals
The Public
Physicians
Physician Question: In general, how much do you trust…? (Completely Trust/ Somewhat Trust)
General Public Question: In general, how much do you trust…? (Completely Trust/ Somewhat Trust)
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22,
2021 - February 5, 2021. The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069
adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
* Statistically significant at p<0.05 relative to hospitals. + Statistically significant at p<0.05.
For the public, trust in
health care entities that
provide direct care is
higher than institutions
with less patient
interaction
• Trust in hospitals is higher
among the public (72%)
compared to physicians
(60%)
+
Direct Care
Indirect Care
10
PHYSICIANS’ TRUST : HEALTH CARE LEADERS VS ORGANIZATION LEADERSHIP
A third of physicians do not trust their health care organization’s
leadership; even fewer trust health care executives in general
Questions: In general, how much do you trust health care leaders and executives?
In general, how much do you trust your health care organization leaders and executives?
* Statistically significant at p<0.05
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600
physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
% 21%
Slightly/Completely
Distrust
Neither Trust nor Distrust
Completely Trust/
Somewhat
Trust
11
PHYSICIANS’ TRUST : TRUST FOR PATIENTS
Physicians report lower levels of trust in long-term care and home health
care providers who are essential during discharges and care transitions
Question: How much do you trust the following to care for your patients? (Completely Trust/
Somewhat Trust)
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600
physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
12
PHYSICIANS’ TRUST : SUPPORT PATIENTS’ HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Most physicians trust community health services to support patients’
health and well-being
Question: How much do you trust the following groups to support your patients’ health, well-
being, and social needs? (Completely Trust/ Somewhat Trust)
* Statistically significant at p<0.05
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600
physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
76%
70%
67%
64%
61%
Meal Services
Social Services
Religious Institutions
State and Local Public Health Departments
Transportation Services
Physicians employed by
hospitals tend to have higher
levels of trust in social services
and state and local health
departments compared to non-
hospital physicians
*
• Social services (75% vs
66%, respectively)
• State and local public health
departments (70% vs 60%,
respectively)
Building Trust Starts with the Physician-
Patient Relationship
14
60+
BUILDING TRUST : PATIENTS’ TRUST IN PHYSICIANS
People’s trust in their primary physician increases with age and income; but
Black and Hispanic patients report lower levels of trust than White patients
Question: In general, how much do you trust your primary doctor? (Completely Trust/
Somewhat Trust)
*Statistically significant at p<0.05 relative to total.
+ Statistically significant at p<0.05 relative to respondents age 60+, White and Asian
respondents, and respondents with income greater than $60k.
Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample
of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
Total
Age
18-19
30-44 45-59
White
Black HispanicAsian
Race Income
<$30K $30-60K $60-100K
$100K+
15
BUILDING TRUST : CHOICE
If given a choice, patients are more likely to select their physician based on their
insurance coverage, convenience, recommendation from a family member or
friend
Question: Did you choose the doctor you see most often based on…? (Extremely/Moderately) Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample
of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
85%
69%
64%
51%
33%
29%
18%
Coverage Convenience Recommendation Doctor Rating Age Gender Race/Ethnicity
16
BUILDING TRUST : PHYSICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
A majority of the physicians (98%) say their patients’ trust them, to a lesser
extent (83%) the general public says their doctors trust what they say
Physician Question: To what extent would you say most of your patients…? (To a great extent/
To a moderate extent)
General Public Question: To what extent would you say your doctor…? (Extremely/Moderately)
* Statistically significant at p<0.05 relative to total.
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of
600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021. The general public survey was
fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from
December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
• There are mutual sentiments of
honesty between physicians (90%)
and the general public (90%)
• Similarly, both groups felt they
respected one another (physicians-
96%, the public-90%)
98%
90%
90%
90% 90%
96%
*
90%
98%
*
83%
Patients trust
you
Patients treat you with
respect
Patients are honest
with you
Doctor
treats you with
r
espect
Doctor is honest with you
Doctor trusts what you say
Physicians
The Public
17
BUILDING TRUST : PHYSICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
Patients with high trust in the health care system are more likely to report
that doctors trust what they say, spend time with them, or care about them
Question: To what extent would you say your doctor…? (Trusts what you say, Spends time
with you, Cares about you)
Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample
of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
77%
80%
61%
Total
High Trust
Low Trust
Spends Time With You
83%
86%
67%
Total
High Trust
Low Trust
Trusts What You Say
75%
79%
52%
Total
High Trust
Low Trust
Cares About You
18
BUILDING TRUST : PHYSICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
Physicians overestimate their patients’ ability to adhere to their treatment
recommendations
Physician Question: To what extent would you say most of your patients...? (To a great
extent/ To a moderate extent)
General Public Question: How often do you do the following? (Every time/ Often)
* Statistically significant at p<0.05
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of
600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021. The general public survey was
fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from
December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
A large majority of physicians
(90%) believe their patients are
able to schedule appointments, far
fewer patients say they are able to
schedule appointments (76%)
Similar gaps exist between
doctors’ perceptions and patients’
reports about whether they follow
physician recommendations for
treatment and lifestyle changes
98%
90%
90%
96%
*
93%
*
81%
90%
*
76%
59%
*
49%
Fill
prescriptions
Follow treatment recommendations
Schedule appointments
Make lifestyle changes
Physicians
The Public
19
BUILDING TRUST : PHYSICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
Certain groups report more barriers to adhere to doctors’ recommendations,
including young adults, Black and Hispanic respondents, those without a college
degree, and low income households
General Public Question: How often do you do the following? (Every time/ Often)
* Statistically significant at p<0.05 relative to total.
Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample
of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
Age Education Race/ Ethnicity HH Income
Total
18-29 30-44 45-59 60+
No HS
HS grad
Some
college
BA+ Asian Black
Hispanic
White
<$30k
$30k-
<$60k
$60k-
<$100k
$100k+
Fill prescriptions your doctor writes
you
81% 60% 79%
89
%
*
91
%
*
69% 75% 79%
91
%
*
80% 73% 73%
85
%
*
76% 78% 84%
89
%
*
Follow your doctor’s treatment
recommendations
81% 64% 77%
87
%
*
90
%
*
68% 76% 80%
89
%
*
81% 74% 71%
85
%
*
75% 78%
87
%
*
84%
Schedule follow up appointments
when
the doctor requests them
76% 53% 71%
81
%
*
90
%
*
62% 72% 73%
84
%
*
78% 72% 66%
79
%
*
72% 70%
81
%
*
81
%
*
Make lifestyle changes your doctor
recommends, like diet and exercise
49% 43% 47% 52% 53%
39% 40%
55
%
*
55
%
*
53% 48% 44% 51% 45% 48% 49%
58
%
*
20
BUILDING TRUST : PATIENTS’ PERCEPTIONS - REASONS FOR MISTRUST
25%
14%
14%
10%
8%
3%
25%
25% of patients said the
doctor spent too little time
with them
Similarly, 14% of patients
said doctors don’t listen to
them or know them
Question: You said you do not trust your doctor. What is
the primary reason?
Source: The general public survey was fielded using
NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults
nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
They Spend Too
Little Time With Me
Other
They Do Not Make
Eye Contact With Me
Drivers of mistrust:
When patients were asked why they do not trust their doctor…
They Are Too
Financially Motivated
They Do Not
Know Me
They Do Not Listen to
Me
They Do Not Give Me All the
Information
21
BUILDING TRUST : PHYSICIANS’ PERCEPTIONS - REASONS FOR MISTRUST
27%
14%
13%
11%
10%
9%
5%
4%
4%
3%
High Costs
Poor Communication
Physicians believe the biggest contributor to patients’ mistrust is poor
communication
Long Wait Times
Challenges With
Insurance Coverage
Question: Please rank the top 3 things that you believe contribute to patients’ mistrust in the
health care system as a whole.
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600
physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
Being Treated Differently
by Demographics
Surprise Medical Billing
Poor Access to Treatment
Poor Clinical Outcomes
Misdiagnosis or
Medical Errors
Perceived Economic
Self-Interest
22
BUILDING TRUST : DIFFERENCES IN PERCEPTION
Physicians believe time with patients is important for building trust,
but a quarter of patients say physicians do not spend enough time
Physician Question: How important are the following to build trust with your patient?
(Spend an appropriate amount of time with them)
General Public Question: To what extent would you say your doctor spends an appropriate
amount of time with you?
* Statistically significant at p<0.05
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600
physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021. The general public survey was fielded
using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29,
2020 – January 26, 2021.
Almost all physicians (98%) say that
spending an appropriate amount of time
with patients is important…
…But only 77%
*
of patients think their
doctor spends an appropriate amount
of time with them
23
BUILDING TRUST : PHYSICIANS’ PERCEPTION
Almost all physicians say it is important to show empathy (98%), listen
(99%), understand problems (98%), and answer questions (98%)
Question: How important are the following to build trust with your patient? (Extremely/ Moderately) Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600
physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
99%
98%
98%
98%
98%
95%
95%
78%
65%
Listen
Spend Time
Understand Their Problems
Answer Their Questions
Show Empathy
Involve Them in a Choice of Treatments
Collaborate Between Clinicians and Services to Help Get the
Care Patients Need
Recognize Improvement in Health
Prescribe Medication
24
BUILDING TRUST : THE PATIENTS’ PERCEPTION
Question: To what extent would you say your doctor…? (Extremely/Moderately) Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a
sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
90%
90%
87%
83%
83%
79%
77%
76%
76%
72%
65%
52%
Is Honest With You
Respects You
Explains Things Clearly
Trusts What You Say
Helps You Stay Healthy
Involves You in Treatment Choice
Spends an Appropriate Amount of Time
Values Your Time
Cares About the Conditions of Your Daily Life
Communicates With Your Other Doctors
Knows You
Prepares You For How Much Your Care Will Cost
Only two out of three patients say their physician knows them; half say
their physician prepares them for the costs of care
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact
26
COVID-19 PANDEMIC : TRUST IN THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
The pandemic has not changed levels of trust in the health care system for most
physicians and members of the public
*
Physician Question: How has the pandemic impacted your level of trust in the health care
system as a whole?
General Public Question: How has the pandemic impacted your level of trust in the health
care system overall?
* Statistically significant at p<0.05
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600
physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021. The general public survey was fielded
using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29,
2020 – January 26, 2021.
Yet, some physicians and
the general public have
decreased their trust in
the health care system
similar amounts (30% and
32% respectively)
30%
53%
17%
32%
56%
11%
Decreased Trust
Trust Remained the
Same
Increased Trust
The Public
Physicians
27
COVID-19 PANDEMIC : TRUST IN DOCTORS
88% of the public reported favorable or no change in
how much they trust their doctor, due to the
pandemic
Overall, over three-quarters
of Americans say that the
COVID-19 pandemic has not
changed their level of trust
in their doctors
Question: How has the pandemic impacted your level of
trust in the doctor you’ve seen the most?
Source: The general public survey was fielded using
NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults
nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
77%
Trust in doctors
remained the same
12%
Trust in doctors
decreased
11%
Trust in doctors
increased
The Public
28
COVID-19 PANDEMIC : TRUST IN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
Roughly 1 in 3 physicians (30%) has experienced a decrease
in their level of trust in the health care system and health
care organization leadership during the pandemic
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January
22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
Question: How has the pandemic impacted your level of trust in the health care system as a whole? How has the
pandemic impacted your level of trust in health care organization leadership? (Decreased Trust)
29
COVID-19 PANDEMIC : TRUST IN CLINICIANS VS HEALTH CARE LEADERSHIP
The pandemic resulted in higher levels of increased trust in
clinicians compared to health care leadership
Question: How much has the pandemic impacted your level of trust in fellow physicians?
Nurses? Health care organizational leadership?
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600
physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
5%
4%
30%
54%
59%
52%
41%
37%
18%
Fellow Physicians
Nurses
Health Care
Organization Leadership
Decreased Trust Trust Remained the Same Increased Trust
41% of physicians reported
increased levels of trust in
their fellow physicians and
37% of physicians increased
trust in nurses during the
COVID-19 pandemic
30% of physicians reported
decreased trust in health care
organization leadership
30
COVID-19 PANDEMIC : TRUST IN FELLOW PHYSICIANS
The pandemic increased physicians’ trust in their clinical team and
eroded trust in government health agencies
Question: How has the pandemic impacted your level of trust in…?
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600
physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
5%
4%
19%
13%
43%
30%
30%
31%
54%
59%
58%
66%
36%
52%
53%
63%
41%
37%
23%
21%
21%
18%
17%
6%
Fellow Physicians
Nurses
Hospitals
Pharmaceutical Companies
Government Health Agencies
Health Care Organization Leadership
The Health Care System as a Whole
Health Insurance Companies
Decreased Trust Trust Remained the Same Increased Trust
Physicians reported
increased trust in their
fellow physicians (41%)
and nurses (37%)
during the COVID-19
pandemic
43% of physicians
report decreased levels
of trust in government
health agencies due to
COVID
Clinicians
Non-Clinicians
Physicians
31
COVID-19 exacerbated low levels of trust in the health care system
among physicians, especially those with low trust pre-COVID
Question: How has the pandemic impacted your level of trust in the health care system as a
whole?
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600
physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
% 21%
Increased Trust
Trust Remained the Same
Decreased Trust
COVID-19 PANDEMIC : TRUST IN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
32
COVID-19 PANDEMIC : MANAGING THE PANDEMIC
Question: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, to what extent has your primary place of work…?
(Extremely/Moderately)
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22,
2021 - February 5, 2021.
Doctors believe their primary
place of work ensured access
to care and reduced
transmission during COVID
Fewer physicians thought that
their primary place of work
supported physicians’
wellbeing (75%) during the
COVID-19 pandemic
75%
83%
86%
87%
87%
88%
90%
92%
Supported Their Well-Being
Effectively Integrated Telehealth as an
Alternative to In-Person Appointments
Adjusted Staffing Models to Continue to Deliver
Patient Care
Ensured a Safe Workplace
Educated Patients About COVID-19
Communicated Effectively About COVID-19
Reduced the Spread of COVID-19 at Health Care
Facilities
Ensured That Regular, non-COVID-19 Care is
Available to Those Who Need It
Doctors believe the places they work were effective in addressing a range
of needs during COVID-19
Physicians
33
COVID-19 PANDEMIC : MANAGING THE PANDEMIC
68%
Great
Extent/Moderate
Extent
32%
Slight
Extent/Not at All
79%
Great
Extent/Moderate
Extent
21%
Slight
Extent/Not at All
MANAGED COVID-19 VACCINE
ROLLOUT EFFECTIVELY
MADE COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE
TO THOSE WHO NEED IT
Question: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, to what extent has your primary
place of work made COVID-19 testing available to those who need it?
Question: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, to what extent has your primary
place of work managed vaccine rollout effectively?
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of
600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
PhysiciansPhysicians
Most physicians think their employers have made COVID testing available
to those who need it, but fewer approve of the initial vaccine rollout
34
COVID-19 PANDEMIC : TRUST IN FELLOW PHYSICIANS
Patients identify physicians as a trusted partner to distribute the
COVID-19 vaccine
Question: To what extent would you trust your doctor if he/she told you to get the COVID-19
vaccine?
* Statistically significant at p<0.05 relative to total.
Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample
of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
20%
*
7%
14%
16%
20%
*
7%
15%
26%
15%
18%
*
30%
*
29%
18%
21%
51%
78%
*
67%
*
53%
51%
75%
*
63%
Republican
Democrat
White
Hispanic
Black
Asian
Total
Slightly/Competely Distrust Neither Trust nor Distrust Completely/ Somewhat Trust
Asian respondents reported
higher confidence in their
doctor to administer the
COVID-19 vaccine compared
to other racial and ethnic
groups
Democrat respondents were
nearly 1.5x more likely report
confidence in their doctor to
administer the COVID-19
vaccine
Appendix
36
SURVEYS OF TRUST : METHODOLOGY
Methodology
Statistical Significance
• All statistical tests are performed at the .05 confidence level.
• For figures with comparisons between the two surveys, statistical tests are conducted using
the Chi-square test
• For figures with comparisons within the same survey, statistical tests are conducted using the
McNemar’s test
37
SURVEYS OF TRUST : OVERVIEW
Sample Demographics—Physicians
Demographic
%
Race/Ethnicity
Asian 21
Black 2
Hispanic 3
Middle Eastern 2
White 66
Prefer Not to Answer 8
Other 1
Age
20-39 11
40-49 28
50-59 32
60-69 26
90+ 4
Region
Northeast 26
Midwest 24
South 33
West 17
Sex
Male 61
Female 35
Prefer Not to Answer 4
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
38
SURVEYS OF TRUST : OVERVIEW
Sample Demographics—Physicians
Demographic
%
Internal Medicine and Pediatric
Pediatrics 36
Primary Care 22
Emergency Medicine 5
Other Specialties
Anesthesiology 3
Cardiology 1
Dermatology 4
Gastroenterology 4
Neurology 4
Oncology 1
Psychiatry 2
Radiology 3
Surgery 4
Obstetrics and Gynecology 3
Urology 3
Other 6
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
39
APPENDIX : GENERAL PUBLIC TRUST
In general, how much do you trust...?
Summary of Completely Trust/Somewhat Trust
Question: In general, how much do you trust…?
* Statistically significant at p<0.05
Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample
of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
Age Education Race/ Ethnicity HH Income
Total
18-29 30-44 45-59 60+
No HS
Diploma
HS Grad
Some
College
BA+ Asian Black
Hispanic
White <$30k
$30k-
<$60k
$60k-
<$100k
$100k+
Nurses
85%
80%
84%
87%
88%
71%
79%
87%
92
%
*
88%
77%
79%
88
%
*
78%
86%
88%
90
%
*
Doctors
84%
77%
83%
84%
90
%
*
70%
80%
86%
90
%
*
91
%
*
78%
76%
87
%
*
75%
84%
90
%
*
90
%
*
Hospitals
72%
63%
68%
73%
81
%
*
65%
67%
72%
79
%
*
78
%
*
68%
68%
74%
70%
69%
76%
74%
The Health Care System as a
Whole
64%
54%
57%
62%
77
%
*
59%
62%
64%
67%
72
%
*
62%
55%
66%
61%
62%
68%
64%
Government Health Agencies
56%
51%
59%
57%
56%
49%
51%
51%
67
%
*
75
%
*
58%
51%
55%
53%
51%
62
%
*
59%
Pharmaceutical Companies
34%
29%
31%
31%
42
%
*
39%
39%
31%
31%
42
%
*
37%
32%
34%
41
%
*
32%
33%
30%
Health Insurance Companies
33%
22%
28%
31%
47
%
*
42
%
*
35%
34%
29%
41
%
*
42
%
*
33%
31%
40
%
*
35%
30%
26%
40
APPENDIX : GENERAL PUBLIC
To what extent would you say the health care system…?
Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
79%
Protects Your Privacy
75%
Is There For You When You Need It
74%
Delivers High Quality Care
72%
Treats You With Respect
68%
Follows up on Test Results Consistently
54%
Is Easy to Navigate and Interact With
46%
Values Your Time
45%
Is a Good Value
40%
Puts Your Health Ahead of Profits
37%
Prepares You for How Much Your Care Will Cost
41
APPENDIX : GENERAL PUBLIC
Please select the top 3 things that influence your trust in the health
care system.
Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
48%
Delivers High Quality Care
43%
Is There For You When you Need It
37%
Treats You With Respect
31%
Protects Your Privacy
30%
Puts Your Health Ahead of Profits
27%
Follows up on Test Results
17%
Prepares You for How Much Your Care Will Cost
16%
Is Easy to Navigate and Interact With
12%
Values Your Time
10%
Is a Good Value
42
APPENDIX : GENERAL PUBLIC
How do you like to receive information about health and health
care?
Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
36%
Email
35%
News
Websites
31%
Television
24%
Direct Mail
19%
Social Media
13%
Automated Texts to Your Cell
Phone
10%
Radio
8%
Podcasts
6%
Informational
Recording Delivered by Phone
20%
Other
43
APPENDIX : GENERAL PUBLIC
Thinking about sources of information on health and health care, how much do
you trust each of the following sources? Summary of Completely/A Lot
60%
Your Health Care Professionals
50%
Health Care Experts
33%
Nonelected Public Health Officials
30%
Friends
and Family
23%
National News
22%
Local News
19%
Professional Organizations
15%
Your Place of Worship
11%
Elected State Official
11%
Local Community Organizations
11%
Elected Federal Officials
Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
44
APPENDIX : GENERAL PUBLIC
What types of sources do you get information about COVID-19
63%
National
News
60%
Local News
50%
Health Care Experts
49%
Friends and Family
44%
Your Health
Care Professionals
35%
Nonelected Public Health Officials
26%
Elected State Officials
18%
Elected Federal Officials
16%
Elected Local Officials
10%
Local Community Organizers
8%
Your Place of Worship
Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
45
APPENDIX : GENERAL PUBLIC
What is your best guess as to whether you will get COVID-19 within
the next 6 months?
44%
I Don’t Think I Will Get It
33%
If I Get It, I Think I Will Get a Mild Case
12%
If I Get It, I Think I Will Get Seriously Ill
9%
I Have Already Had It
1%
Don’t Know
Source: The general public survey was fielded using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel to a sample of 2,069 adults nationwide from December 29, 2020 – January 26, 2021.
46
APPENDIX : PHYSICIANS
Which of the following describe your main medical practice in more detail?
51%
Private Practice
23%
Hospital or Health
System Owned Office-Based Practice
15%
Academic Faculty Practice
10%
Hospital Inpatient Practice
4%
Community Health Center or Public Clinic
3%
Group Model HMO
3%
Residency
teaching hospital
1%
Veterans Administration (VA), Military or Other Government Practice
0%
Home Care
0%
Hospice Care
0%
Nursing
Home or Long-Term Care Facility
3%
Other
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
47
APPENDIX : PHYSICIANS
To what extent would you say your primary place of work…?
Summary of Extremely/Moderately
90%
Ensures a Safe Workplace
90%
Has Policies and Procedures That Prioritize Patient Care
90%
Is Ethical
89%
Communicates Effectively With Patients
84%
Treats You and Your Colleagues With Respect
84%
Provides State of the Art Technology and Equipment
80%
Facilitates Care Coordination Across Providers Within and Outside of Your Care Team
77%
Is Transparent in Their Communication to Staff
74%
Supports Your Well
-Being
70%
Values Your Time
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
48
APPENDIX : PHYSICIANS
Please Rank the top 3 things that influence your trust in your
primary place of work.
51%
Treats You and Your Colleagues With Respect
49%
Has Policies and Procedures That Prioritize Patient Care
45%
Is Ethical
27%
Ensures a Safe Workplace
26%
Is Transparent in Their Communications to Staff
25%
Supports Your Well
-Being
22%
Values Your Time
22%
Communicates Effectively With Patients
18%
Facilitates Care Coordination Across Providers Within and Outside of Your Care Team
16%
Provides State of the Art Technology and Equipment
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
49
APPENDIX : PHYSICIANS
To What Extent Would You Say Members of Your Clinical Team…?
Summary of Great Extent/Moderate Extent
96%
Cares About Your Patients
96%
Respect Your Clinical Judgment
95%
Are Reliable
94%
Treat You With Respect
91%
Assist With Care Coordination
86%
Value Your Time
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
50
APPENDIX : PHYSICIANS
93%
Completely/
Somewhat Trust
92%
Completely/
Somewhat Trust
4%
Slight / Completely Distrust
TRUST THE APPROVED COVID-19
VACCINES ARE EFFECTIVE
TRUST THE APPROVED COVID-19
VACCINES ARE SAFE
Question: To what extent do you trust that the approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe?
Question: To what extent do you trust that the approved COVID-19 vaccines are effective?
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of
600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
PhysiciansPhysicians
Most physicians think the approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective
4%
Neither trust nor distrust
4%
Slight / Completely Distrust
3%
Neither trust nor distrust
51
APPENDIX : PHYSICIANS
To what extent do you trust that the approved COVID-19 vaccines
are effective?
59%
Completely Trust
35%
Somewhat Trust
3%
Neither Trust nor
Distrust
3%
Slightly Distrust
1%
Completely Distrust
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
52
APPENDIX : PHYSICIANS
To what extent do you trust that the approved COVID-19 vaccines
are safe?
54%
Completely Trust
39%
Somewhat Trust
4%
Neither Trust nor
Distrust
3%
Slightly Distrust
1%
Completely Distrust
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
53
APPENDIX : PHYSICIANS
To what extent do you think the following will improve, if at all, due to the
COVID-19 pandemic?
Summary of Great Extent/Moderate Extent
85%
Vaccine Development Process
72%
Vaccine Deployment Processes
71%
Disease Testing Infrastructure
70%
National and State Stockpiles of PPE and Other Supplies
69%
Physician Safety Measures
68%
Safety Procedures for Nursing Homes/Facilities
62%
Number of Ventilators and ICU Beds
55%
Investment in State and Local Public Health Departments
49%
Coordination Between Federal and State Government
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
54
APPENDIX : PHYSICIANS
How do you like to receive information about health and health care?
70%
Completing CME Modules/Activities
66%
Attending Conferences and Lectures
66%
Use of Online Medical Information Services (e.g., Medscape and
UpToDate)
56%
Regularly Reading Medical Journals
55%
Learning From Peers
41%
Attending Grand Rounds or Conferences at the Office or Hospital Where You Practice
34%
Teaching or Training Other Physicians
32%
Self
-Assessment Programs
31%
Use of Print Text Books/Resources
27%
Learning From Patients
11%
Social Media
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
55
APPENDIX : PHYSICIANS
Do you think you will get COVID-19 within the next 6 months?
55%
I Don’t Think I Will Get COVID
-19
30%
If I Get It, I Think I Will Get a Mild Case
4%
If I Get It, I Think I Will Get Seriously Ill
10%
I Have Already Had COVID
-19
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
56
APPENDIX : PHYSICIANS
Have you or will you get the COVID-19 vaccine in the next 6
months?
86%
I Have Already Had the Vaccine
10%
I Plan to Get the Vaccine
4%
I Don’t Think I Will Get the Vaccine
Source: The physician survey was fielded using NORC’s survey partners to a sample of 600 physicians from January 22, 2021 - February 5, 2021.
For additional
information…
Caroline Pearson
312-325-2552
Pearson-Caroline@norc.org