Views on Health Care Technology: Americans Consider The Risks and Sources of Information.

We conducted a survey to learn about Americans' familiarity with specific technologies, their sources of information, and their trust in those sources. Our findings indicate a high degree of familiarity with common devices and procedures as well as a high level of interest in better understanding them. Americans are broadly supportive of new technology, but there was not blanket acceptance of all technologies. Family and friends are the main source of information on specific technologies, but a personal physician is identified as the most trusted source when Americans consider potential risks and benefits of using a new technology.