“We’re trained to trust our patients”: a qualitative study on the general practitioners’ trust in patients for colorectal cancer shared care

Abstract

Abstract Background In a therapeutic partnership, physicians rely on patients to describe their health conditions, join in shared decision-making, and engage with supported self-management activities. In shared care, the patient, primary care, and specialist services partner together using agreed processes and outputs for the patient to be placed at the centre of their care. However, few empirical studies have explored physicians’ trust in patients and its implications for shared care models. Aim To explore trust in patients amongst general practitioners (GPs), and the impacts of trust on GPs’ willingness to engage in new models of care, such as colorectal cancer shared care. Methods GP participants were recruited through professional networks for semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were integrity checked, coded inductively, and themes developed iteratively. Results Twenty-five interviews were analysed. Some GPs view trust as a responsibility of the physician and have a high propensity for trusting patients. For other GPs, trust in patients is developed over successive consultations based on patient characteristics such as honesty, reliability, and proactivity in self-care. GPs were more willing to engage in colorectal cancer shared care with patients with whom they have a developed, trusting relationship. Conclusions Trust plays a significant role in the patient’s access to shared care. The implementation of shared care should consider the relational dynamics between the patient and health care providers.