Trust in physicians among patients with head and neck cancer before and after treatment. Issue 9 (26th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Highland, Julie; Aylward, Alana; Do, Olivia; Monroe, Marcus; Buchmann, Luke
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 43:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: 2580
• Page End: 2588
• Publication Date: 2021-04-26
• Subjects: cancer treatment -- head and neck cancer -- psychosocial -- trust -- trust in oncologist; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.26721
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Little is known about physician trust in patients with head and neck cancer. This study's aim is to evaluate trust pre‐ and post‐treatment. Methods: A study was conducted of 50 patients with head and neck cancer at a tertiary referral center. Surveys administered before and after treatment included several validated survey tools including the Trust in Oncologist Scale Short Form. Results: There was an increase in overall trust scores ( p < 0.001). Female patients ( p = 0.034) and those who received chemotherapy ( p = 0.001) were less trusting post‐treatment. Patients with more comorbidities ( p = 0.045) and progression of disease ( p = 0.029) had higher final trust than those without. Patients with high initial distress scores showed a decrease in trust ( p = 0.023). Conclusions: Patients with head and neck cancer trust their surgeon more after completion of treatment, with specific characteristics having a variable impact on trust scores.