Fear of hospital treatments decreases - Germans still fear hospitals despite declining anxiety over treatment
A recent survey by polling institute Forsa for health insurer KKH in Hanover has revealed the anxieties surrounding hospital treatment in Germany. Conducted with 1,879 participants aged 18 to 70, the poll found that while fears about hospital treatment are declining, they remain a significant concern for many. Around one in four respondents still harbored anxieties about hospital treatment, down from one in three in the previous year. The primary worry was contracting hospital-acquired infections. Other top anxieties included necessary surgeries and complications from anesthesia. Women were found to experience greater anxiety about hospital treatment than men. More than half of respondents cited negative personal experiences or troubling accounts from others as the root of their anxieties. Vijitha Sanjivkumar of KKH advises patients to alleviate these anxieties by researching their upcoming hospital stay and discussing any unanswered questions with their treating physician. While anxieties about hospital treatment are on the decline, they remain a significant issue for many. Understanding and addressing these anxieties can help improve the overall patient experience. Health insurers and providers should continue to educate and support patients throughout their hospital journey.
