AKRON, Ohio – An increasingly crowded and contradictory health information landscape is taking an emotional toll on caregivers and leading, in some cases, to changes in their healthcare approach, according to a national survey of 1,002 caregivers.  

The survey, conducted by Akron Children’s, found that more than 7 in 10 caregivers (71%) believe there is more conflicting medical information today than ever before. As caregivers navigate competing messages from social media, influencers, AI chatbots and even experts themselves, many are finding it increasingly difficult to sort through conflicting health information.  

For some families, that confusion is affecting healthcare decisions. One in four caregivers said they have made a medical or health decision for their child that they later questioned or regretted because of conflicting information. Additionally, 17% reported changing their healthcare approach after encountering conflicting information. 

Among those who changed their healthcare approach, 55% sought a second opinion, 32% switched primary care doctors, 29% declined or questioned a recommended treatment, 27% delayed vaccinations, 26% chose a holistic or alternative approach instead of a traditional one, 25% relied on advice from nonmedical sources and 18% avoided seeking healthcare treatment altogether.  

“Parents are trying to do what’s best for their children, but they’re being asked to navigate more health information and more conflicting viewpoints than ever before,” said Dr. Shefali Mahesh, pediatrician in chief at Akron Children’s. “When families aren’t sure what information to trust, it can make already difficult healthcare decisions feel even harder.”  

The survey was conducted in April to better understand how caregivers are navigating today’s complex health information environment. Akron Children’s goal was to ascertain how children’s hospitals could help caregivers navigate this situation.  

The findings reveal widespread uncertainty among caregivers: 

  • 63% worry about making the wrong healthcare decision for their child. 
  • 61% said they are confused about who to trust for medical information. 
  • 54% said conflicting information causes them to second-guess their instincts as a caregiver. 

“One finding that stood out to me is how many caregivers said conflicting information causes them to second-guess their instincts,” Mahesh said. “In pediatrics, we often rely on parents’ observations because they know their children best. Families don’t need yet another set of data or information. They need trusted partners who can help them understand information in the context of their child’s unique situation.”  

While many caregivers actively seek health information online, they continue to place their trust in healthcare professionals. Ninety percent said they trust their doctors, and 87% prefer information backed by medical expertise and research.  

What caregivers want most is clear, actionable information. Ninety percent said medical information should be easy to understand, while 87% want practical guidance they can use.  

The survey also found that caregivers value healthcare sources that communicate with clarity, empathy and a reassuring tone, suggesting that how information is delivered can be nearly as important as the information itself.  

Caregivers also expressed a strong desire for healthcare organizations to play a more active role in helping families navigate conflicting information. Nearly 8 in 10 respondents said children’s hospitals should take a leading role in addressing confusion around children’s health information.  

“Caregivers are telling us they want children’s hospitals to play a larger role in helping families navigate children’s health information,” Mahesh said. “We see that as both an opportunity and a responsibility. Our goal is to provide clear, evidence-based information that helps families make decisions with confidence.”