Understanding Teamwork in the Provision of Cancer Care: Highlighting the Role of Trust

Elizabeth H. Lazzara, Joseph R. Keebler, Soosi Day, Deborah DiazGranados, Minggui Pan, Michael A. King, Shin-Ping Tu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Team science research has indicated that trust is a critical variable of teamwork, contributing greatly to a team’s performance. Trust has long been examined in health care with research focusing on the development of trust by patients with their health care practitioners. Studies have indicated that trust is linked to patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, continuity of care, and improved outcomes. We explore the construct of trust using a case example of a patient who received a surgical procedure for a precancerous polyp. We apply the principle of trust to the case as well as present the literature on trust and key definitions for understanding trust. Additionally, we apply the definitions presented to the specific case example by highlighting moments where trust is developed or violated. Lastly, we offer insights to health care practitioners on the development of trust in their own patient interactions to improve care.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Oncology Practice
Volume12
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2016

Keywords

  • cancer care
  • trust
  • teamwork

Disciplines

  • Human Factors Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Psychology

Cite this