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When it comes to healthcare, change is constant, and the recent shifts in US government healthcare policies have definitely caught the attention of healthcare professionals around the world. InCrowd reached out to our community of physicians from several countries, including Canada, the UK, Germany, Spain, France, and Italy, to get their take on the current state of US healthcare under the new administration. The responses were diverse, ranging from cautious optimism to deep concern, but the general sentiment leaned toward skepticism about the direction the US is headed.
First, when we asked how these non-US physicians felt about the recent changes in US government healthcare decisions, the responses were telling. A small percentage of physicians from countries like the UK, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy expressed positive feelings about the new direction in healthcare. Specifically, 16% of German, French, and Italian physicians, and 12% of UK and Spanish physicians felt optimistic. However, the positivity was limited. A more substantial portion of the respondents, including 32% of French and Spanish physicians and 24% of Italian physicians, expressed neutrality.
On the other hand, the majority of the physician respondents expressed negative feelings about the changes, with 83% of Canadian and 68% of UK physicians feeling disheartened. One Canadian doctor expressed, “Without a doubt this will hurt Canadian doctors and possibly access to meds and med devices. Also, also worried about vaccines in US.” This strong negative sentiment indicates widespread concern about the US government’s approach to healthcare, particularly among physicians from countries with well-established universal healthcare systems.
When it came to the question of whether these physicians would seek care in the US, the answers highlighted some stark differences. Physicians from Germany and Spain were the most likely to say they would seek care in the US. In fact, 70% of German physicians and 68% of Spanish physicians responded positively.
However, the response from the UK was drastically different, with only 24% saying they’d seek care in the US. Similarly, 38% of Canadian physicians said they would seek care in the US. The strong contrast between the responses from Germany and the UK is particularly interesting and speaks to the stark differences in healthcare systems and attitudes toward the US system.
Regardless of these differences, one key takeaway is that 3 out of 4 physicians from the countries surveyed said they would not seek care in the US, citing issues around accessibility, cost, and the quality of care.
We also asked the respondents about their top concerns regarding US healthcare policy. The responses highlighted several critical issues. The number one concern selected by was US patients’ access to healthcare and insurance coverage. Many physicians are particularly worried that vulnerable populations might lose access to essential healthcare services due to changes in US policy. Medical research funding and innovation came in as a close second, with physicians expressing concerns about cuts to funding for crucial medical research. As science and technology play a more significant role in healthcare, these concerns are not only important for the US but could have global implications.
Finally, many of the research contributors took the opportunity to share messages directly with the US government. These messages touched on a range of concerns, from policy changes to the importance of evidence-based practices. A Spanish physician stressed that “medical knowledge based on evidence should not be disregarded in favor of an ideological policy that contradicts current scientific advancements.” This echoed a global concern that political agendas might overshadow scientific integrity in healthcare decision-making. There were also concerns over the proposed $880 billion cut to the Medicaid budget over the next decade with a German physician pointing out that “medical care must be accessible and affordable for all,” stressing that policies should prioritize patient well-being above political or economic considerations. The data overall suggests that physicians from countries outside the US are particularly worried about the potential negative consequences of US policy changes that will go beyond just US impact. The insights shared by these physicians suggest that maintaining a focus on evidence-based practices, patient care, and global health initiatives will be essential in ensuring the US healthcare system remains effective, equitable, and innovative.
As the US government moves forward with healthcare reforms, it will be crucial for policymakers to engage in open dialogue with both domestic and international healthcare experts. Doing so will help navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, ensuring that the US healthcare system continues to serve both its citizens and the global community.
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