Comparative analysis of patient trust in family doctors versus community nurses in the management of chronic diseases at the primary healthcare level

Abstract

Chronic diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries where healthcare access is limited. This systematic review investigates the levels of patient trust in family doctors and community nurses in managing chronic diseases within primary healthcare settings. We employed a comprehensive search strategy across electronic databases, yielding six relevant studies after rigorous screening. Our findings indicate that trust is a critical determinant of treatment adherence and self-management, significantly impacting patient outcomes. While patients generally express moderate trust in community nurses, they tend to have higher trust in family doctors, particularly regarding medical tasks traditionally reserved for physicians. Factors influencing trust include communication skills, perceived competence, accessibility, and continuity of care, with variations observed between the two provider types. The review also highlights the role of multimorbidity in complicating trust dynamics and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to enhance trust levels, thereby improving adherence and overall health outcomes. Recommendations for healthcare practice and policy are provided to foster collaborative relationships between patients and providers.