Republicans are less likely now than they were in the past to say they are confident in the accuracy of important medical advice their doctor gives them. Currently, 60% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are confident, down from 73% in 2010 and 70% in 2002. Meanwhile, more Democrats and Democratic leaners are confident now (71%) than were in the past, especially compared with the 62% measured in 2002.

As a result, Democrats’ confidence exceeds Republican confidence for the first time in Gallup’s trend, though majorities of both groups remain confident…

As fewer Republicans than in the past say they are confident in the accuracy of their doctor’s advice, more now say they “usually feel it is necessary to check for second opinions or do [their] own research on the subject.” Thirty-nine percent of Republicans and Republican-leaners hold this view compared with 26% in 2010 and 29% in 2002. Twenty-eight percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaners this year say they usually look for other opinions or information on medical issues.