COVID may cause health care workers to leave the field

More than one-third of Americans view the pandemic as the most important issue facing the country, and 76 percent remain concerned they or a loved one will contract it. However, Americans feel safer in medical settings than many other public spaces.

Barely half say they are highly likely to get vaccinated, with resistance strongest in key groups including women and minorities. Fear of side effects is the most often cited concern, particularly among those communities, underscoring the need for providers to be active vaccine educators.

Doctors, nurses and hospitals remain the most trusted professionals and institutions in the country. Hospitals and caregivers have generally sidestepped blame for problems in the vaccine rollout. People want to hear from providers above all others on health care issues, especially about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.

Fifteen percent of health care workers are unlikely to remain in the field after living through the pandemic, and a further 25 percent are only somewhat likely to do so. Concern about side effects has jumped 25 points since Jarrard’s August survey among health care workers skeptical of the vaccine. At the same time, the vast majority of consumers think hospitals should require their staff to be vaccinated.

Telehealth use has grown and is popular. Virtually everyone says that price transparency is important and valuable in their pursuit of care. People continue to think hospitals should receive more funding from the federal government.