Biblical Answer

The Role of Trust in a Patient-Provider Relationship

In a patient-provider relationship, trust plays a crucial role in treatment decisions. The patient must be able to entrust their health and well-being to the provider, which requires a level of faith and confidence in the provider's abilities and intentions. As Stanley Hauerwas writes, "If a doctor is legally permitted to kill, how could any patient entrust herself to him?" This highlights the importance of trust in a patient-provider relationship, where the patient must be able to trust that the provider will act in their best interests.

Building Trust in a Patient-Provider Relationship

Trust in a patient-provider relationship is built through a pattern of life that warrants trust. This includes the provider's ability to listen and communicate effectively, as well as their willingness to be vulnerable and open. When a patient feels safe sharing their fears, hurts, and weaknesses with their provider, it can evoke trust. On the other hand, a presentation that is too awful or confrontational can give rise to despair and make it difficult to build trust. Ultimately, trust arises when we attend to God's way of salvation, which is found in a pattern of life that warrants trust.

The Role of God in Trust

The Bible teaches that trust is essential in a patient-provider relationship, but it also emphasizes the importance of trust in God. When we trust God, we realize that He has suffered on account of evil and that He is great and all-sufficient. This knowledge can give us confidence in His sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of suffering or uncertainty. As the Bible promises, "those who seek shall find, that those who ask shall receive, and that to those who knock it shall be opened." This trust in God can also inform our trust in others, including our healthcare providers, and help us to navigate the complexities of treatment decisions with greater confidence and peace.