Community Health Worker Perspectives on Building Patient-Provider Trust in Rural Communities of the San Joaquin Valley, California: A Qualitative Study

Authors: Kimberly D. Sánchez, Micaela Velasco Sandoval, and Rosa D. Manzo

This study explored how community health workers help build trust between patients and healthcare providers. Through group discussions with workers from rural health centers in California, the study found that trust is affected by power differences between providers and patients, the quality of communication, and respect for patients’ culture and language. Community health workers explained that listening carefully, showing respect, and understanding patients’ beliefs are key to building strong relationships. The findings suggest that involving community health workers in training and care teams can help improve trust and communication in healthcare.