Understanding how chiropractors build trust with patients: a mixed-methods study.

INTRODUCTION: Trust is a key component of any therapeutic relationship and correlates with treatment satisfaction. Patients with high levels of trust in their healthcare providers report more beneficial heath behaviours, fewer symptoms, and a higher quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore how chiropractors in British Columbia (BC) understand the process of building trust with patients.
DESIGN: This was a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews informed an online survey that was sent to all BC Chiropractic Association members. PARTICIPANTS: Interviews were completed by six chiropractors from the Vancouver Practice Based Research Network; an online survey was completed by 97 chiropractors.
RESULTS: Themes of honesty, communication, perceived competence, and caring emerged during interviews. Survey findings confirmed the importance of honesty, communication, and perceived competence in building trust.
CONCLUSION: Chiropractors can employ a variety of interpersonal strategies to foster trust with patients. © JCCA 2020.