The goal of this study was to develop a clearer conceptualization and model of trust within the patient-provider relationship utilizing Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Data for this study are part of a larger study of mothers regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about immunizations for their newborn children. A total sample of two hundred-four women were interviewed about internal personal and environmental factors that may contribute to the patient-provider trust model. Ninety-one percent of the sample were under the age of thirty-five; thirty-four percent had incomes under $30,000 per year and forty-two percent stated their income levels were over $50,000 per year. Several demographic variables (age, income, education), assessment of personal health, knowledge about vaccines (as a proxy for healthcare knowledge), attitudes about the importance of vaccines, and the belief in alternative medicine are used as the internal personal factors related to trust. Four environmental variables are used in this model: sources of healthcare, use of prenatal care (as a proxy for continuity of care), type of insurance, and sources of information about vaccines. The outcome variable, trust, is measured by the Trust in Physician's Scale (Anderson & Dedrick, 1990). Analyses were conducted using Multiple Linear Regression. The findings have implications for both SCT and for the enhancement of patient-provider trust. Awareness of these results is important for the primary healthcare providers, insurance providers, and healthcare systems.
Learning Objectives: 1) List factors associated with patient-provider trust. 2)Discuss implications for healthcare providers, insurance companies, and healthcare systems. 3)Describe Social Cognitive Theory's relationship to trust
Keywords: Emerging Health Issues, Theory
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.