By: Bethany Ortiz, Senior Correspondent
A new global survey released on June 4, 2025, has highlighted a concerning trend in healthcare: a growing distrust in traditional healthcare institutions. According to the findings, more individuals—particularly young adults—are making health decisions based on peer recommendations rather than consulting healthcare professionals. This shift is largely attributed to a lack of trust in medical institutions, a phenomenon that has worsened in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Edelman Trust Barometer, an annual global survey that measures trust across multiple sectors, shows that individuals are becoming more skeptical about healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and government bodies. The survey reveals that a significant percentage of people, especially in the United States, feel that business, government, and NGOs have hindered access to quality healthcare.
The Shift Toward Peer Recommendations
The most striking aspect of the survey is the noticeable shift in how people are approaching health decisions. Rather than consulting with doctors or healthcare professionals, younger generations—especially those under 35—are increasingly turning to their social circles for advice. This includes seeking recommendations from family, friends, and online communities. Peer recommendations and online discussions are becoming more trusted than professional advice, signaling a deep change in the way people engage with healthcare.
This growing reliance on peers for health advice is particularly prevalent among younger individuals who are active on social media platforms. These platforms, such as Instagram and YouTube, provide a wealth of personal experiences and self-reported health journeys, which many feel are more relatable and accessible than consultations with medical professionals.
Dr. Emily Roberts, a healthcare researcher, points out, “The shift reflects a larger loss of faith in traditional medical structures. For many younger people, there’s a sense that their personal health is better managed through peer-driven experiences rather than professional advice.”
COVID-19: A Catalyst for Distrust
The COVID-19 pandemic has further fueled distrust in healthcare institutions. Throughout the pandemic, conflicting guidance from public health officials and inconsistent messaging about the virus and its treatments left many questioning the reliability of healthcare systems. The lack of clear and cohesive responses to the crisis contributed to widespread skepticism, particularly in the United States, where healthcare debates became increasingly polarized.
The survey found that 61% of U.S. participants believed that the actions of business, government, and NGOs had worsened access to quality healthcare. Many felt that these institutions failed to prioritize public health during the pandemic, contributing to a sense of disillusionment that continues to affect healthcare perceptions today.
David Mason, a healthcare policy analyst, explains, “The pandemic exposed systemic flaws in healthcare systems around the world. People saw conflicting guidance from experts and experienced long delays in care. The trust that was already fragile was eroded further during this period.”
Global Distrust in Healthcare
While the survey results are particularly alarming in the United States, the trend is global. Trust in healthcare institutions is declining across many countries, with participants in Europe, Latin America, and Asia expressing similar concerns. Key drivers behind this distrust include perceptions that healthcare is overly commercialized, a lack of transparency in medical practices, and growing skepticism about the pharmaceutical industry.
In many countries, respondents voiced concerns that healthcare institutions prioritize profit over patient care. This issue is especially pronounced in the United States, where the high cost of healthcare and medications has led many to question the motives behind medical decisions.
The Way Forward: Restoring Trust
Despite the alarming trends, experts believe that healthcare institutions can take steps to rebuild trust with the public. Several strategies have been proposed to address the trust deficit:
-
Transparency: Making medical practices, pricing, and treatment options more transparent is seen as a key factor in restoring trust. When people feel they can access clear, honest information about their healthcare, they may be more willing to engage with professionals.
-
Rebuilding the Doctor-Patient Relationship: Strengthening the personal relationship between doctors and patients is crucial in regaining trust. Experts emphasize that healthcare institutions must work to make patients feel heard and respected, as this relationship has always been at the core of effective healthcare delivery.
-
Combating Misinformation: Healthcare organizations need to take a more active role in combating misinformation, especially on social media platforms. By providing reliable, evidence-based information in an accessible format, they can help counter the spread of misleading health advice.
-
Holistic Care: Addressing not only physical health but also mental health and well-being can help healthcare providers appeal to younger generations who value comprehensive care. A more integrated approach to health that includes emotional and psychological support may resonate with those who feel that traditional medicine overlooks these aspects.
Conclusion: Rebuilding Trust for the Future
The survey is a clear indicator of the growing discontent with healthcare institutions. While the shift toward peer-driven health decisions can be seen as a reflection of a more empowered and informed public, it also highlights the need for systemic changes in the healthcare sector. To move forward, healthcare providers must listen to public concerns, be more transparent, and focus on rebuilding trust with the populations they serve.
With trust in healthcare institutions at a low point, the industry must take proactive steps to address the concerns of both young and older generations. The future of healthcare depends on the ability to bridge the gap between institutions and patients, ensuring that everyone has access to safe, reliable, and transparent medical care.