Trust in Physicians and Medical Institutions: What Is It, Can It Be Measured, and Does It Matter?

Abstract

Despite the profound and pervasive importance of trust in medical settings, there is no commonly shared understanding of what trust means, and little is known about what difference trust actually makes, what factors affect trust, and how trust relates to other similar attitudes and behaviors. To address this gap in understanding, the emerging theoretical, empirical, and public policy literature on trust in physicians and in medical institutions is reviewed and synthesized. Based on this review and additional research and analysis, a formal definition and conceptual model of trust is presented, with a review of the extent to which this model has been confirmed by empirical studies. This conceptual and empirical understanding has significance for ethics, law, and public policy.

Stigma and Trust Among Mental Health Service Users

“…= 0.118; p = 0.01). This finding agrees with the results from other empirical studies on trust (Hall et al, 2001). Furthermore, service users with more psychiatric symptoms (coeff.…”

“…Furthermore, the instrument was shortened to five items, as it had been included in a larger survey with several other instruments. The five items each represent one dimension of trust, as definedby Hall et al (2001).…”

“…Numerous definitions of trust exist (Hall, Camacho, Dugan, & Balkrishnan, 2002;Hall, Dugan, Zheng, & Mishra, 2001;Johns, 1996). Based on a literature review, Hall et al (2001, p. 615) conclude that the majority of these definitions stress "the optimistic acceptance of a vulnerable situation in which the truster believes the trustee will care for the truster's interests."…”

“…Based on a literature review, Hall et al (2001, p. 615) conclude that the majority of these definitions stress "the optimistic acceptance of a vulnerable situation in which the truster believes the trustee will care for the truster's interests." Beliefs about fidelity, competence, honesty, confidentiality, and global trust are important aspects of trust (Hall et al, 2001). In this study, we focus on the trust that mental health service users have in the professional staff members caring for them.…”

ReGAE 1: using the Shah–Cross model as an orientating framework in African-Caribbean glaucoma research

“…Dimensions of trust include, fidelity, honesty, and competence. 31 Insofar as the competence dimension of trust refers to communication skills that enhance technical aspects of care, participants made qualitative distinctions between modes of delivery. Younger participants preferred the speedy and 'hasslefree' experience of some express delivery establishments.…”