Healthcare influencers – family members and friends – are instrumental in modifying patient behavior, according to a new study.
Among those surveyed by NFO Healthcare, nearly half changed their behavior – such as taking a new medication for the first time, switching medications or adding or requesting a medication – at the behest of someone within their social or familial circle.
While spouses were the most influential in getting patients to change their ways, among those not living with a spouse or partner daughters wielded the most clout, followed by other female family members or female friends.
Patients were also more likely to take or change their behavior if the influencer initiated the discussion about the patient’s condition.
The study was conducted in March and April among 1,800 consumers who had spoken to someone other than their doctor regarding one or more of 12 ailments, including high cholesterol, congestive heart failure, depression, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, insomnia, migraine, osteoarthritis, obesity, osteoporosis and prostate cancer.
