Do you trust your healthcare providers with your data?

As healthcare technology continues to rapidly evolve, the average patient is becoming more concerned than ever with protecting their personal data. And for good reason – nobody wants their private information ending up in the wrong hands!

Patient-provider relationships should always be built on a foundation of trust.

But when it comes to sensitive health data, how much do patients actually trust their healthcare providers? Cassie surveyed United States residents to get a temperature check on just that. Here’s what we found.

Patient-provider trust isn’t there yet

The majority of Americans struggle to trust healthcare providers with their personal data. Six in ten told us they believe providers aren’t keeping up with new privacy regulations, and 72% are apprehensive about the potential misuse of their information by external entities.

Another 6 in 10 noted they’re wary of electronically sharing their health data due to privacy concerns. When asked why, nearly 3 out of 4 (74%) patients told us they’re uneasy about the prospect of their health data being sold to insurance companies.

But their worries aren’t reserved for healthcare providers alone. Eighty-three percent of patients told us they’re skeptical of how well government regulations protect their health data, too.

Potentially causing health disparities

Concerns over data privacy can pose a serious detriment to patients’ wellbeing: 13% of those who feel hesitant about the handling of their health data shared that this has held them back from receiving medical treatment. Note: Black/African-American respondents were 62% more likely than average to say this.

With 90% believing that healthcare providers who invest in data security technology are more reliable than those who don’t, and 43% looking to switch to a provider that places a stronger emphasis on data privacy protection, providers who leverage technology to demonstrate they deserve patients’ trust will be poised to win.

Americans trust tech companies more than health providers

Furthermore, half of Americans expressed greater trust in technology companies to safeguard their data compared to their trust in healthcare providers. This eye-opening revelation is more than just a number; it’s a reflection of evolving patient expectations and the urgent need for providers to invest in top-tier data security.

In addition to keeping patients happy, healthy, and thriving, providers have a responsibility to safeguard their most sensitive information. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming blog posts surrounding how providers can close the digital literacy gap and keep patient preferences top of mind when designing best data practices.