Home Institution
Wesleyan University
Publication Date
Spring 2020
Abstract
Trust is a critical aspect of the patient-provider dynamic, but in the U.S., its importance is overlooked in many medical settings, especially among those from low socio-economic groups. As the disparities in American healthcare are being recognized on a larger scale, it is necessary to further uncover why this is the case, and how to begin to remedy this disparity. This study presents an original qualitative data set of perspectives from four current health/mental health practitioners, based on their experiences with their pediatric patients, and how the concept of trust is critical to their service provision. Supported by literature, this research illuminates the influence of corporate medicine on the deterioration of medical trust in the U.S. This can be seen in the case of vaccine hesitancy, especially in the age of access to un-vetted information through the Internet. Further, from firsthand accounts, patterns emerge that suggest an increased feeling of betrayal by the medical industry among those from minority groups in the U.S. – often those who have lower incomes and less familiarity with primary care. These results lead to the conclusion that it is imperative to devote extra attention to these communities, including special care to adapting healthcare to their unique culture and needs. By doing this, providers can begin to build honest, reciprocal, ongoing relationships with their patients and their caregivers. While this alone does not solve the fracture between the medical community and the American citizens, it may be a step in the right direction towards repairing the damage.
Disciplines
American Studies | Civic and Community Engagement | Health Communication | Health Policy | Inequality and Stratification | Maternal and Child Health | Medicine and Health | Pediatrics | Public Affairs | Race and Ethnicity | Social and Cultural Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Feldscher, Talia, "Medical Trust in Pediatric Care in the United States" (2020). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 3292.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/3292
Included in
American Studies Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Health Communication Commons, Health Policy Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Pediatrics Commons, Public Affairs Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons
Program Name
Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy