A concept analysis of nurse-patient trust.

The aim of this article is to provide a greater understanding of the term 'trust in relation to the nurse-patient relationship through the use of Rodgers' concept analysis framework. The concept of trust is of particular interest to nursing as it has been identified as an important element in the nurse-patient relationship; however, the concept is loosely used in everyday discourse with confusion apparent and the true meaning of the concept of trust unclear. Patients' trust in the nursing profession cannot be taken for granted simply due to a requirement for nursing care. This article describes and examines the attributes, antecedents and consequences of trust in nurse-patient relationships in order to clarify the meaning and improve the current nursing knowledge base.