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Diagnosing death: What's trust got to do with it?
1Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Davidson, NC, USA.
The Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine, New York
|September 8, 1999
Summary
Physician trust is not universally shared, particularly among African Americans, impacting medical interactions. Understanding these trust disparities is crucial for effective patient-physician communication and resolving clinical conflicts.
Area of Science:
- Medical sociology
- Health disparities research
- Clinical ethics
Background:
- Physicians possess significant societal trust, legally protected and socially endorsed.
- This trust is not equally distributed across all demographics, with notable disparities observed in African American communities.
- Physicians often underestimate the impact of racial mistrust on patient interactions.
Observation:
- Physicians often underestimate the extent of this trust disparity.
- Routine medical behaviors can unintentionally worsen pre-existing suspicions among African American patients.
- A lack of understanding regarding trust dynamics can lead to clinical conflicts.
Findings:
- The differential trust levels between physicians and African American patients are significant.
- Physician unawareness of these disparities can lead to iatrogenic harm through exacerbation of patient suspicion.
- A nuanced understanding of trust is essential for equitable healthcare delivery.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers need enhanced cultural competency training to address trust deficits.
- Developing trust-building strategies is vital for improving health outcomes for African Americans.
- A theoretical framework for understanding trust can guide clinical practice and reduce healthcare disparities.