Health News and Scoops

Would you believe that rather than the doctors and physicians themselves, it is the patients who believe that the health industry can only get better.

A new national study among 2,547 physicians and consumers revealed that consumers have a more positive outlook on the future of health care reform in the U.S.

The study was conducted by HCD Research and the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO) during April 10-12, to obtain physicians’ and consumers’ perception of U.S. health care reform. Respondents were also asked to provide their perceptions of specific health care-related industries and professions.

The study will be conducted on a monthly basis among physicians and consumers to measure perceptions of the health care reform process in the United States. Each month, an overall metric score will be reported for physicians and consumers to monitor trends and perceptions. The metric is comprised of two questions.

One question measures the perceived progress of health care reform; and the other question determines whether respondents perceive that health care reform is heading in the right direction. The metric is reported on a scale ranging from -100 points to +100 points.

Physicians and consumers were also asked to provide favorability ratings for the following industries/professions related to health care. The ratings are based on a scale ranging from -100 points to +100 points, with -100 representing “not at all favorable” and +100 representing an “extremely favorable” rating.

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A new national study among 696 physicians revealed that more than one-third of physicians (37%) reported that there was “somewhat of a risk” that the H1N1 swine flu could result in a catastrophic pandemic, the highest level since an April study in which 49% of physicians reported that there was “somewhat of a risk” for a pandemic.

The study was conducted last night by HCD Research using its MediaCurves.com(R) website, and the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO), as part of a series of studies which were conducted during April, May and June to obtain physicians’ perceptions of the H1N1 virus. The studies are being conducted on a weekly basis to measure physicians’ perceptions regarding their personal and professional views on the issue. To view detailed results go to: www.hcdi.net or www.mediacurves.com.

When asked what top three sources they use to obtain information on H1N1 swine flu, physicians listed government agency communications (77%) as their top choice, followed by the news media (71%) and medical associations (55%), similar to previous studies.

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