Evaluation of factors influencing confidence and trust in the patient-physician relationship: A survey of patient in a hand clinic

Objectives. - The purpose of this study was to identify the skills found most important to gain patient's trust from a patient's perspective. Methods. - One hundred and twenty-two patients were surveyed prospectively using a questionnaire assessing professionalism, physical environment, verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Factors required to establish a trusting patient-surgeon relationship were ranked in order of importance before and after initial consultation with a surgeon in a hand surgery clinic model. Results. - No significant relationship was identified between gender, age, education or income, and answers provided by respondents. Technical ability, verbal communication skills and respect of patient's autonomy by the physician were found most important. Conclusion. - The visit with the surgeon significantly affected the ranking of some of the skills deemed important. Patients view respect of autonomy and verbal communication skills as the most important attributes when developing trust and confidence in a surgeon, followed by technical proficiency. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.