Trust me, I'm a Doctor: Evaluating the Factors that Lead to Social Mistrust in the United States Healthcare System (thesis)

Abstract

The United States has a long history of health inequality. . . . The disturbing aspect of this situation is that disparities in health are not exclusively determined by individual choices and actions. Instead, they are influenced by social determinants of health, or social positions that have disparate effects on physical and mental well-being (Marmot et al., 2008). One social determinant that is yet to be fully investigated is trust between patients and healthcare providers. The social interaction between patients and their providers is an integral aspect of healthcare treatment. Social trust can determine the norms of health behavior, such as patients pursuing preventative care and following through with appointments and medications (Berkman & Kawachi, 2015). Though this is a complex issue with many variables at play, this paper will narrow down and describe the relevant research of three main factors that influence social trust: knowledge of the history of medicine, patient/provider mismatch, and cultural competency. Additionally, this paper will evaluate previous attempts to improve health outcomes by addressing these variables. This paper will then make its own recommendations in light of these previous studies. Lastly, this paper will justify the ethical relevance of these recommendations from various moral frameworks. [From Introduction]