Pharmacists most trusted for research

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WASHINGTON, May 24 (UPI) -- Pharmacists are the most trusted source for medical research information, followed by patients groups and the U.S. government, a survey indicates.

The poll of 1,000 U.S. adults commissioned by Research!America and Eli Lilly and Co., conducted by Charlton Research Co., indicates 83 percent of U.S. adults say they trust medical researcher information from pharmacists, 82 percent say their trust patient groups most, 79 percent say the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 78 percent say healthcare providers and 61 percent say the National Institute of Health.

Nonetheless, only 17 percent say they regularly check government Web sites for medical research information, compared to 66 percent who say they consult commercial medical Web sites such as WebMD, the survey found.

The survey concluded U.S. adults say healthcare costs and insurance issues are their top health concern, followed by 24 percent who say obesity, 11 percent cancer and 5 percent heart disease.

Seventy-six say clinical research is of great value and that they would participate in a clinical study, but only 6 percent of their doctors have ever suggested participating in a study.

Ninety-four percent say the government, universities and private industry should work more closely and in collaboration to avoid duplication and maximize resources.

The nationwide poll, conducted in February, has a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.