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Americans' Trust in Healthcare Deteriorates: A Jarrard Inc. Survey

A substantial shift has occurred in the sentiment of Americans towards their healthcare system, as revealed by Jarrard Inc.'s latest survey, The State of Play Healthcare in 2025. Conducted in January 2025 with a sample size of 1,000 consumers, the results paint a concerning picture of public trust in healthcare providers and insurers.

According to the survey, over 75% of respondents believe that the primary focus of healthcare providers and insurance companies is profit rather than patient care. This alarming sentiment underscores a growing discontent with the healthcare industry, where nearly one-third of individuals expressed feelings of frustration, skepticism, or anger about the current state of affairs.

These findings come at a time of heightened scrutiny following the controversial murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the industry. In stark contrast to earlier surveys conducted in 2021, where about 75% of participants felt hospitals prioritized patient care, the current results indicate a drastic alteration in public perception.

Key Findings from the Survey

Several notable trends emerged from the Jarrard Inc. survey:

• - Industry Overhaul Needed: More than half of those surveyed believe that a complete overhaul of the healthcare system is essential.
• - Insurance Satisfaction: Roughly 40% of respondents expressed contentment with their personal insurance and local hospitals.
• - Trust in Healthcare Workers: Interestingly, trust in healthcare workers remains resilient, suggesting that local organizations, nurses, and doctors hold the potential to regain trust in the system.

Despite the negative outlook, the survey indicates that healthcare leaders still have significant opportunities to mend public sentiment. Jarrard's experts emphasize that healthcare organizations—ranging from hospital chains to health tech firms—can take proactive measures by fostering community engagement and building trust internally. As Isaac Squyres, a partner at Jarrard, stated, "Every healthcare organization can influence the situation by engaging with local stakeholders and building trust internally."

Initiative for Reform

The survey not only highlights areas of concern but also opens a dialogue for improvement within the healthcare system. In light of the findings, Jarrard Inc. is launching a new division, Jarrard Market Research Insights (MRI), designed to provide comprehensive research solutions tailored to the evolving demands of healthcare organizations. According to Anne Hancock Toomey, Co-Founder and President of Jarrard Inc., "For two decades, we've leveraged qualitative and quantitative research to develop tailored solutions that deliver critical wins for our clients."

This initiative aims to deepen understanding of stakeholder perceptions, behaviors, and motivations, ultimately equipping healthcare leaders with the insights necessary to navigate the complexities of public trust and enhance patient care. The newly established Jarrard MRI will focus on diverse research strategies, allowing healthcare stakeholders to effectively engage with their audiences and drive meaningful change.

Conclusion

As Americans grapple with a noticeable decline in trust towards healthcare organizations, the findings from Jarrard Inc.'s survey underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms. Moving forward, healthcare leaders have an opportunity to redefine their approach to patient care and foster a renewed trust within the industry. With focused efforts on community engagement and the launch of innovative research initiatives, the future of healthcare could be steered towards a much-needed transformation.