Do Patients Perceive Surgeons Who Provide Personal Information as More Trustworthy and Empathetic?

Do Patients Perceive Surgeons Who Provide Personal Information ("Self-disclosure") as More Trustworthy and Empathetic?

Prior studies have shown that patient trust in their physician is associated with better health outcomes and lower levels of emotional distress. Patients who have low levels of trust in their physician are less satisfied and less likely to adhere to their physician recommendations. As such, there is a need to better understand factors related to patient trust in their physician.

Purpose: To understand whether patient awareness of a surgeon's personal background improves patient trust in their surgeon.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients (age 18 years or greater) visiting a single orthopaedic hand surgeon
• English fluency and literacy
• Ability to take informed consent