Factors associated with patients’ trust in their general practitioner at the General practice in Pernica
Abstract
Introduction: Trust is crucial in forming a good relationship between a patient and a doctor, where both persons believe that they are benevolent, competent and willing to act in their best interest. This research examines factors associated with patient trust in their general practitioner (GP).
Method: Every third patient at the General Practice in Pernica was asked to participate in a voluntary, anonymous survey. 464 questionnaires (92.8 % response rate) were filled in. The questionnaire consisted of patient demographic data, the Trust in Physician Scale (Cronbach α = 0.795), and the Humanistic Behaviours Questionnaire (Cronbach α = 0.965). The research sample was described with frequency and percentage distribution, average values and standard deviation. Factor analysis was implemented. Using linear regression modelling, the connection between patient demographic data, patient health status and patient’s cooperation with the GP, along with factors describing trust in physician, was analyzed. Factors of physician behaviour were included in the linear regression as independent variables.
Results: Positive past experience with the GP (β = 0.20, p < 0.001), greater care and involvement in treatment (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), and greater benevolence (β = 0.32, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with the competence of the GP. A lower degree of benevolence (β = -0.28, p < 0.001) was associated with greater distrust.
Discussion: Physician behavior was statistically associated with patient trust. With appropriate interventions we could improve patients’ trust in their physician and thus influence a better treatment outcome, continuity of care, better cooperation and most importantly, patient satisfaction.
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