Two-thirds (66 percent) of physicians and a majority (53 percent) of nurses believe that their expertise has barely been considered in healthcare reform, according to an online survey conducted by Chandler Chicco Companies among 385 physicians and 444 nurses nationwide. 

 

A substantial plurality of physicians (43 percent) and a majority of nurses (54 percent) indicate that they have not received enough information to understand the policy changes being proposed as part of healthcare reform, according to a survey released today, as the Senate prepares to begin floor debate on health reform. 

 

“Physicians and nurses are feeling bypassed as it relates to the debate around healthcare reform,” says Robert Chandler, principal of Chandler Chicco Companies.  “Making sure this important group of stakeholders feels its voices are being heard should be the top priority for the President, the Congress and the media.  After all, these are the people on the frontlines of healthcare delivery.”

 

The survey also revealed that roughly 9 in 10 (88 percent of physicians, 90 percent of nurses) respondents describe news coverage of healthcare debate as being too focused on politics instead of policy.

 

“Patients rely on doctors and nurses who treat them for information about health and health care,” said Chandler.   “Given these findings, it is not surprising that many Americans are unsure about whether the health reform debate in Washington will actually result in better health care.” 

 

A plurality of physicians (43 percent) and majority of nurses (54 percent) surveyed say they don’t understand the policy changes being proposed as a part of healthcare reform.

 

Seven in 10 (70 percent) physicians surveyed believe that tort reform is not likely to result in less recourse for patients.

 

And approximately 6 in 10 physicians surveyed believe that tort reform is extremely or very likely to lead to fewer unnecessary tests (63 percent) and lower insurance costs (59 percent).