Typology and characteristics of Japanese patients from the perspective of patient-physician trust

Abstract

Very little research has examined patient-physician trust in Japan. In a previous study, we conducted semi-structured interviews to explore Japanese patients' trust in physicians, and identified three major factors (Nishigaki, et al., 2004). The purpose of this study was to confirm these factors through quantitative research with a larger sample, as well as to further classify and identify characteristic patient types. Participants of the study (n = 312) completed the Patient Trust Questionnaire, the Japanese Interpersonal Trust Scale, and the Japanese Health Locus of Control Scale. The results highlighted three major factors in patient-physician trust: (1) physicians' respectful attitude toward patients, (2) physicians' amicable communication skills, and (3) physicians' prestige and authority. We also identified three unique patient types: those who value the physicians' respectful attitude, those who value the physicians' prestige and communication skills, and, those who emphasize the physicians' utility. Patient types varied according to their age, sex, and beliefs regarding the importance of the family. It is suggested that in order to establish trust, physicians should take the patient type into consideration when communicating with their patients.