One in four adults has not visited their GP within the last year, according to a new report.
The Medical Council said its latest research shows there has been a substantial decrease in the number of people visiting their GP as frequently as in the past.
The results of a nationally representative survey show that, while 94 per cent of adults are registered with a GP, 25 per cent report not having visited their doctor in the past year.
This compares with 15 per cent of adults in 2020.
The Medical Council said the research shows doctors rank second highest as the most trusted profession in Irish society, with just under nine in 10 people (89%) trusting their doctor to tell the truth.
The highest ranking profession is teachers.
Telemedicine can help patients who are vulnerable receive necessary care, provide patients with more convenient access to care, ease of access for those in isolated locations and much more. Find out more in our Telemedicine guide for patients here https://t.co/rAsZO0VI3K pic.twitter.com/LD1CGv2E8M
— Medical Council (@MedCouncilIRL) October 23, 2023
The use of telemedicine has significantly increased, with around one in four (24 per cent) adults accessing these services.
There has been a large increase in the proportion of people who have used GP services through telemedicine, up to 21 per cent from 2 per cent in 2020.
Telemedicine usage is highest amongst 35 to 49-year-olds, and those residing in Dublin.
The Medical Council found nine per cent of respondents said they had used social media to seek guidance from a doctor who uses a social media platform to provide medical advice.
Of those who used social media in this way, 11 per cent said they checked if the doctors were registered.
