We Must Fight Health Misinformation With Empathy
People reported being more likely to take advice when they believe, first, that their concerns and experience have been taken seriously, writes Dr. Megan L. Ranney.
In the fall of 2008, eight months pregnant and upside down on a couch, the author tried moxibustion, a smoldering herb, in an effort to turn her breech baby. Despite being skeptical and aware of limited evidence, the pressure of an impending birth pushed her to believe there might be something to this ancient practice. The Edelman Trust Institute, in collaboration with Yale School of Public Health, recently conducted research revealing that a majority of people, globally 70%, hold at least one unfounded health belief.
These beliefs include concerns about childhood vaccines, raw milk consumption, and fluoride in drinking water. These individuals were not necessarily scientifically illiterate, as most possessed university-level or higher education. The desire for alternative solutions is widespread, regardless of age, political affiliation, or socioeconomic status.
Those who interact more frequently with healthcare systems are 50% more likely to hold three or more such beliefs. The prolonged search for answers in the face of ambiguous tests, ineffective treatments, and conflicting specialist opinions fuels this tendency. People often turn to intuition, friends, online sources, or even AI for guidance.
A concerning 50% of survey respondents believe AI can perform at least one health-related task as well as or better than a doctor. While empathy, humility, and active listening are crucial in building trust, they do not guarantee accurate information. However, acknowledging that people are more likely to accept good advice when they feel their concerns are heard and understood can make a significant difference.
Our analysis demonstrates that building trust is achievable, with nearly half of respondents reporting instances where doctors or medical experts successfully established connections and fostered trust. This analysis offers hope in an era of conflicting health information, underscoring that trust is attainable. The author of this account found her answer not through moxibustion, but in the empathy and agency offered by healthcare providers.
Written by urgent.news from Time's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
