Who do people talk to when they have a health concern?
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In February 2023, Healthwatch Kent took to Maidstone town centre and spoke to people passing through the high streets and shopping malls. They wanted to find out who people talk to when they have a health concern, what makes people feel listened to when they talk to someone about a health concern, and what makes people feel safe when discussing their health concerns. They spoke to 73 people.
Most people would speak to a GP or family if they had a health concern. People who would speak to a healthcare professional felt listened to if the professional acted on their concerns, were easy to talk to and didn't judge. Negative feedback included people feeling that professionals didn't have time for them and cultural differences.
People who would speak to peers felt that they could trust them and wouldn't judge them.