Survey Reveals Insights About Awareness, Understanding of Personalized Medicine, Part 1

Earlier this year, the Personalized Medicine Coalition (PMC) commissioned U.S. Public Opinion About Personalized Medicine, a nationally representative survey of 1,024 adults gauging consumer awareness, knowledge and attitudes about personalized medicine.

The key findings of the survey were positive. Although less than 4 in 10 Americans had heard of it prior to being surveyed, respondents are interested in learning more about personalized medicine and are supportive of the concept. For those who had heard of personalized medicine, their knowledge was shallow and did not associate the term with diagnostic testing or targeted treatments. This highlights the need for education to a willing public.

When the surveyed individuals were given a definition of personalized medicine, approximately two-thirds were receptive and expressed positive opinions about its prospects.

Respondents easily pointed out the major benefits of personalized medicine, noting that it could give them more knowledge to prevent or treat their illness, help them choose the most effective treatments with their doctors, and lead to a decline in unnecessary treatments, side effects, invasive procedures and trial and error medicine.

Many of the individuals who were surveyed even raised questions, specifically regarding the efficacy, potential risks, cost, access and affordability. A majority agreed that insurance should cover personalized medicine if it is recommended by a doctor.

We’re at the beginning of the golden age of personalized medicine. Armed now with a clear picture of the public’s opinion, we have an opportunity to raise awareness and increase understanding of what personalized medicine is, and how it can transform approaches to healthcare delivery.

Stay tuned for part two of this blog post series as we hear from leading experts, and the researcher who conducted the survey, on what key benefits of personalized medicine they think the public needs to know about in order to embrace this approach to healthcare.

In the meantime, learn more about U.S. Public Opinion About Personalized Medicine and review the survey findings by viewing the slideshow below or visiting the PMC website.

Tags: personalized medicine, Personalized Medicine Coalition, U.S. Public Opinion About Personalized Medicine