Summary
Background
Trust is central to the therapeutic relationship between patients and their providers,
yet little is known about how it is developed in the unique context of children facing
surgical emergencies. We sought to identify factors fostering trust development, gaps,
and areas for improvement.
Methods
We searched eight databases from inception to June 2021 to identify studies focusing
on trust in pediatric surgical and urgent care settings. PRISMA-ScR protocols were
followed, and screening carried out by two independent reviewers. Data collection
included study characteristics, outcomes, and results.
Results
Out of 5,578 articles screened, 12 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Four major trust
constructs were identified: competence, communication, dependability, and caring.
Despite various instruments used, all studies reported a high level of parental trust.
Nearly all studies (11/12) noted trust depending on parents’ sociodemographic background,
with ethnicity (3/12) and level of education and language barriers (2/12) limiting
parents’ confidence in physicians. High trust levels significantly correlated with
effective communication and perceived quality of care. Most effective interventions
enhancing trust included communication and caring trust constructs (10/12) rather
than competence and dependability (5/12). Parents’ individual experiences, development
of compassionate interactions, and practice of family‐centered care appeared important
in developing trust.
Conclusions
Improving communication and providing compassionate care, as well as encouraging a
patient-centered approach, appear to be most effective in promoting trust in pediatric
surgical and urgent settings. Our findings can guide future educational interventions
towards strengthening parental trust and promoting child- and family-centered care
in pediatric surgical settings.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
January 3,
2023
Received:
December 29,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Accepted ManuscriptIdentification
Copyright
© 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
