According to new research, seven in 10 Americans (68%) are guilty of “patientsplaining” their online health findings to their doctor. A survey of 2,000 general-population Americans examined how they invest time in their health and found that three in four (77%) do at least some health-related research in their spare time. When they experience a change in their bodies, fewer respondents will schedule a doctor’s appointment first (30%) compared to those who would look their concerns up online themselves (32%).
Conducted by OnePoll for Vimergy , the survey finds those surveyed want to take an even greater interest in caring for their body, with the average person researching the best ways to care for their health five times within the past month. While a majority find their doctor’s advice to be useful, 30% worry that the advice they get isn’t specific enough to their needs. Based on the last time they saw their doctor , Americans estimate that just more than half of their health concerns were addressed.
Respondents acknowledge that health is not one size fits all, which is why a third complain they “always” or “often” feel the need to fill their doctor in about what’s been going on in their body to get the most accurate advice possible. These patients are active listeners, too. 83% ask their doctor more questions to better understand their health.
“An important part of taking care of your health is being attuned to your body’s needs and taking proactive .