Evaluation of interpersonal and institutional trust in health care

Abstract

Trust is a major element for a good physician-patient relationship and also for success in health care. The objective of this study was to explore whether there are differences in institutional and interpersonal trust across socio-demographic variables. A convenience sample of 296 adults in Istanbul was examined. Medical Mistrust Index (MMI) was used to determine the institutional mistrust in health care. Trust in Physician Scale (TIPS) was used to determine the interpersonal trust in health care organizations. Socio-demographic variables were significantly associated with interpersonal and institutional trust in health care (p?0.05). Negative strong correlation was found between medical mistrust and trust in physician (r=-.972, p?0.001). Interpersonal and institutional trust in health care was associated with socio-demographic variables. Institutional trust was associated with interpersonal trust. When medical mistrust increased, trust in physician decreased.