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A study on trust within breast cancer treatment pathways revealed how trust is experienced differently across various treatment phases. It highlights the influence of healthcare professionals' expertise and person-centered approaches in enhancing trust. The research underscores that acknowledging and fostering trust can significantly improve women’s healthcare experiences, enhancing overall treatment outcomes. Trust is identified as a pivotal component in patient-provider relationships, necessitating a deeper understanding and incorporation into care practices to align with patients' experiential needs.
Trust is foundational to positive patient experiences and outcomes. Trust between patients and healthcare providers is a dynamic and essential aspect of the treatment journey for breast cancer patients.
Healthcare trust is a significant determinant of how patients navigate their treatment journey. In breast cancer care, trust is not static; it evolves based on various treatment phases and interactions with healthcare providers.
Recognize trust as dynamic, requiring ongoing effort from healthcare providers. Trust varies widely across different treatment stages, influenced by healthcare context and professional interaction.
The study identified trust as a dynamic phenomenon within the 'machinery' of cancer care. Women reported variations in trust linked to the perceived expertise and empathy of their healthcare providers.
"The relevance of trust differed according to treatment phases, influenced by professionals' expertise and patient-centered care," reported the study authors.
This adaptability of trust means healthcare providers must continually engage with patients, ensuring that trust is nurtured and maintained throughout the care continuum.
Employ a patient-centered approach to strengthen trust throughout the treatment pathway. Professional expertise and person-centered care are key to fostering trust among patients.
The study's findings suggest that healthcare providers who demonstrate professional expertise and practice person-centered care significantly enhance patient trust.
"Professionals positively influenced the women’s trust to a certain extent through a patient-centered approach," emphasized Ramona Engst.
This approach not only bolsters trust but also supports better adherence to treatment plans, highlighting the crucial role of empathetic patient-provider interactions in effective cancer care.
Incorporate trust-building strategies into healthcare frameworks to enhance patient satisfaction. Understanding and enhancing trust can directly improve patient outcomes and experiences.
The research underscores a direct relationship between trust and improved healthcare outcomes. By focusing on building trust, healthcare systems can enhance patient satisfaction and treatment efficacy.
"The conceptual model of trust should receive attention to bring care closer to the women’s lived experience," according to Antje Koller.
Incorporating trust as a central component of healthcare policy and practice is essential for aligning care with patient experiences, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and satisfaction.
Baum, E., Bernhardsgrütter, D., Engst, R., Maurer, C., & Koller, A. (2025). The meaning of trust along the treatment pathway of women with breast cancer: A mixed-methods study among cancer survivors. BMC Women's Health, 25(1), 102-115.
Guan, T., Qan’ir, Y., & Song, L. (2021). Systematic review of illness uncertainty management interventions for cancer patients and their family caregivers. Support Care Cancer, 29(5), 4623-4640.