Trust in physicians among patients with head and neck cancer before and after treatment

Background: Little is known about physician trust in patients with head and neck cancer. This study's aim is to evaluate trust pre- and post-treatment.

Methods: A study was conducted of 50 patients with head and neck cancer at a tertiary referral center. Surveys administered before and after treatment included several validated survey tools including the Trust in Oncologist Scale Short Form.

Results: There was an increase in overall trust scores (p < 0.001). Female patients (p = 0.034) and those who received chemotherapy (p = 0.001) were less trusting post-treatment. Patients with more comorbidities (p = 0.045) and progression of disease (p = 0.029) had higher final trust than those without. Patients with high initial distress scores showed a decrease in trust (p = 0.023).

Conclusions: Patients with head and neck cancer trust their surgeon more after completion of treatment, with specific characteristics having a variable impact on trust scores.