Racial/Ethnic Differences in Physician Distrust in the United States

Trust has long been recognized as a fundamental component of the physician–patient relationship. In health care, trust in physicians is generally defined as the belief that the physician will act in your best interest and arises from perceptions of the physician’s values (including fidelity and honesty) and competence. Theoretically, trust is central to a physician–patient relationship because of the risk and uncertainty inherent in medical care. This theoretical framework is supported by studies demonstrating the relationship between physician trust and adherence to treatment recommendations, short-term symptom resolution, and overall health status.