Trust in family doctor-patient relations: an embeddedness theory perspective

Background Based on the embeddedness theory, the present study aims to explore the association between patients' trust in family doctors (Interpersonal Trust), trust in community health centers (Organizational Trust), and trust in society as a whole (Social Trust). Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six community health centers in China, using partial least squares structural equation modeling to assess trust scale reliability and validity while testing hypotheses. Results The scores of Interpersonal Trust, Organizational Trust, and Social Trust were 3.761, 3.636, and 3.635, respectively. Our findings confirm that Interpersonal Trust is positively associated with Organizational Trust (beta = 0.916, p < 0.001), Organizational Trust is positively associated with Social Trust (beta = 0.617, p < 0.001) and Interpersonal Trust (beta = 0.864, p < 0.001), and Social Trust is positively associated with Organizational Trust (beta = 0.784, p < 0.001). However, the relationship between Interpersonal Trust and Social Trust was not demonstrated. Conclusions This study enhances our understanding of patient trust in family doctors. Applying embeddedness theory, we reveal positive correlations between Social Trust and Organizational Trust, as well as between Organizational Trust and Interpersonal Trust. Moreover, we have identified Organizational Trust as a crucial mediator in the relationship between Interpersonal Trust and Social Trust.