Building patient trust in health care

CMAJ Podcasts

On this episode, Dr. Blair Bigham and Dr. Mojola Omole explore two articles in CMAJ focused on the critical importance of trust in the health care system. They speak with Louis Lochhead, who shares his experiences navigating the health care landscape as a caregiver after his wife's serious accident, which resulted in a coma lasting nearly two months. Lochhead highlights the difficulties in building trust with the medical team, pointing to challenges in communication and empathy. He recounts moments where the lack of clear, compassionate communication from health care providers compounded the stress and uncertainty of the situation, leaving him feeling isolated and disconnected from the decision-making process regarding his wife's care.

Next, Dr. Omole and Dr. Bigham speak with Dr. François Lamontagne, an intensive care specialist, who offers insights into how health care professionals can better connect with families and build trust, especially when faced with uncertain diagnoses or prognoses. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the inherent unpredictability of medicine and the value of being transparent about known facts and areas of ambiguity. Dr. Lamontagne suggests that by engaging in open, honest dialogues that respect the family's perspective and concerns, health care providers can create a more supportive environment that encourages shared decision-making. This approach not only helps in building trust but also empowers families during challenging times, making them feel valued and part of their loved one's care journey.
This podcast has been sponsored by MD Financial Management. Click here for more information.

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