A national [removed]Capstrat-Public Policy Polling[/removed] survey has found that Americans still turn to traditional lines of communication when they need specific health consultation from their own doctor. More than five of every six respondents (84%) said they would not use social media or instant messaging channels for medical communication if their doctors offered it. Even among millennials (18 to 29 years old), only 21% said they would take advantage of an online forum if offered.
Respondents were more favorable toward e-mail and online channels when used for appointments, medical record access, and nurse consultation. The nurse help line was the preferred form of communication across all demographic and age cohorts, with 72% of respondents saying they would take advantage of a nurse help line if it was offered by their doctor.
Capstrat is a communications agency based in Raleigh, NC.
Public Policy Polling has conducted regional and national surveys since 1991. An analysis by the Wall Street Journal of swing state polls in the 2008 presidential campaign concluded that Public Policy Polling was among the two most accurate survey firms.