O
UR PROFESSION IS regularly rated as the most
trusted profession, and because we have received
this rating often, we may take it for granted. I write this
column to emphasize how significant this rating is and
how important it is that we maintain this coveted status.
Trust involves integrity and honesty; it involves the
ability to rely on someone or something; and it is
fundamental to a healthy society. Regrettably, however,
there is good reason for a lack of trust in our society.
Recent news reports of politicians' scandals, and their
subsequent lying to cover up their scandals is evidence of
this assault on trust. In health care, we emphasize safety
and quality. Delivering safe and high-quality health care
depends upon honesty and trust.
For example, if an error is made in the hospital, the
best approach to managing the consequences of the error
and minimizing anything untoward is to identify that an
error, in fact, has occurred. If someone attempts to“cover
up”the error due to fear of retribution (or for any other
reason), there is high probability that the outcome for the
patient will be worse. The ethical and trustworthy
approach is to directly address the error, keeping in
mind that it is most important to attend to the health of
the patient. Developing trusting relationships within
the health care environment will be conducive to honesty
and straightforwardness in regard to health care practices.
In health care policy, trust is essential as groups of
people come together to make constructive change. We
are on the brink of many changes in health care, although