For patients managing complex conditions like diabetes, care is rarely straightforward. Many are navigating multiple comorbidities, evolving symptoms, and treatment plans that require consistency over time. In this environment, clinical expertise is essential, but it is not enough on its own. Trust is what allows that expertise to translate into action.
Research consistently shows that trust is a foundational element of effective care, influencing communication, adherence, and overall outcomes. According to the American Nurses Association, trust within the nurse-patient relationship supports open dialogue, improves patient engagement, and strengthens the quality of care delivered. For high-risk populations, where early signs can escalate quickly, that trust becomes even more critical.
Trust Starts with Preparation and Personal Connection
Building trust does not happen all at once. It is developed through small, consistent interactions that show patients they are understood and supported.
Pamela Farrell, BSN, RN, Clinical Support Specialist at Podimetrics, sees this firsthand in her daily work: “I find the best way to build trust with my patients is to be well prepared before a patient interaction. It’s important to show familiarity with the patient’s history by referring to previously reported issues and asking appropriate follow-up questions so they feel confident in your care,” she explains.
Preparation signals to patients that their care is personalized, not transactional. At the same time, connection matters just as much. Pamela notes that even simple, human moments can shift the dynamic: “Finding a way to connect with them is also a great way to build trust. I have one patient who is pretty gruff, but the minute I ask how his dog is doing he brightens right up and is happy to talk.”
These interactions may seem small, but they create the foundation for something much larger. When patients feel known and understood, they are more likely to engage, communicate openly, and follow guidance when it matters most.
Trust Changes Behavior and Outcomes
The impact of trust becomes most visible when it changes how patients respond to care. Pamela recalls a patient who had been enrolled in the Podimetrics program for several months but remained disengaged, scanning inconsistently and rarely answering calls. When the SmartMat identified temperature changes in the patient’s foot, she reached out and encouraged him to take a closer look. That’s when he discovered a developing blister on his heel, something he had not noticed on his own. The finding escalated to his provider, and he was quickly scheduled for care.
Experiencing the value of early detection firsthand helped build confidence in the program, and the patient became more engaged, scanning consistently and staying in touch with the care team.
This is where trust becomes measurable. It leads to behavior change, increased adherence, and earlier intervention, all of which are strongly associated with improved outcomes in high-risk populations. Studies have shown that patients who trust their care teams are more likely to follow treatment plans and engage in preventive behaviors, reducing the likelihood of complications.
Creating Space for Honest Communication
For high-risk patients, communication is not always easy. Symptoms may be overlooked, concerns may go unspoken, and important details can be missed. Trust changes that dynamic.
“In nursing, building trust is a standard of care and is especially essential when working with high-risk patients,” says Elais Ponton, BSN, RN. “Trust helps create open communication and a space where patients can comfortably discuss their health, no matter how big or small their concerns are” she added.
When that level of trust is established, patients are more likely to share important details, ask questions, and stay engaged in their care. Without it, critical information may go unreported, making it more difficult for care teams to fully understand and address a patient’s needs.
This aligns with broader research showing that trust improves the accuracy and completeness of patient-reported information, which is critical for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning. Without it, even the most advanced tools and protocols can fall short.
The Link Between Trust and Adherence
For patients managing complex conditions, adherence is often one of the biggest challenges. Treatment plans can be difficult to follow, especially when they require daily engagement or lifestyle changes.
“Trust also plays a significant role in patients’ adherence to treatment plans, which is important for complex regimens prescribed to high-risk patients,” Elais explains. “When trust is established, patients are more likely to follow these treatment plans, leading to better outcomes.”
Katherine DeRose, MSN, BSN, RN, echoes this connection, particularly for patients managing multiple conditions. For high-risk patients, who are often navigating multiple comorbidities, trust is essential to building a strong foundation for care. When patients feel supported by their care team, they are more likely to share accurate information, stay engaged, and follow through on recommended treatment plans.
Research from a 2024 descriptive correlational study published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances, which examined 302 hospitalized cardiovascular patients, found a strong positive relationship between trust in nurses and medication adherence, identifying trust as one of the key predictors of whether patients follow their treatment plans.
Without that trust, adherence can decline, communication can break down, and the risk of poorer outcomes and lower patient satisfaction increases.
Trust Enables Earlier Action
One of the most important benefits of trust is timing. High-risk conditions can change quickly, and delays in care can lead to serious consequences. When patients trust their care team, they are more likely to act sooner.
“At Podimetrics, we consistently see the positive impact of this trust,” Katherine explains. “Patients often reach out to us with concerns about new or worsening conditions even before contacting their podiatrist.”
This kind of proactive communication is exactly what enables early intervention. It allows care teams to address issues before they escalate, reducing the need for more intensive and costly treatments later on.
A Foundation for Better Care
Trust is not a single moment or interaction. It is built over time through consistency, preparation, and genuine connection. For nurses, who are often the first and most frequent point of contact, that role is especially significant.
In high-risk care, where outcomes depend on early detection, patient engagement, and timely action, trust is not just a soft skill. It is a clinical necessity.
When patients trust their care team, they share more, engage more, and act sooner. And in many cases, that can make all the difference.
