SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Preliminary Findings of Ethnic and Racial Differences in Healthcare Distrust: Insights From a National Multisite Trial

Preliminary Findings of Ethnic and Racial Differences in Healthcare Distrust: Insights From a National Multisite Trial

Pdf Summary

This poster presents preliminary baseline findings from the Project Talk Trial, a 75-site, cluster-randomized NIH-funded study focused on advance care planning in resource- and access-limited communities. The study examined healthcare distrust as a key factor influencing engagement in end-of-life conversations.<br /><br />A total of 1,219 participants completed a validated 9-item Healthcare System Distrust Scale, with responses scored from 9 to 45; higher scores indicate greater distrust. Data from the first 50 events of the trial suggest clear racial and ethnic differences in distrust levels.<br /><br />Key findings:<br />- Black participants reported higher healthcare distrust than White participants.<br />- Hispanic participants reported lower healthcare distrust than non-Hispanic participants.<br />- Participants identifying as more than one race had the highest distrust scores.<br /><br />The authors note that healthcare distrust disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minority groups and may shape participation in advance care planning. These baseline data are intended to add to the literature on trust, mistrust, and distrust in healthcare and to inform future strategies for improving equitable communication and care.<br /><br />Limitations include a small sample size for non-Black and non-White racial groups, the preliminary nature of the data, and the fact that statistical analyses were not yet completed.

Asset Subtitle

Hannah Kuntz

Meta Tag

Author List Emily Wasserman, Erika VanDyke, Hannah Kuntz, Heather Costigan, Lauren J Van Scoy, Lena Becker

Category Research

Concept Project Talk Trial

Concept Medical Mistrust

Concept Healthcare System Distrust Scale

Concept Advance care planning

Concept Baseline Analysis

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Penn State College of Medicine

Presenting Author Hannah Kuntz

Track Other

Keywords

advance care planning

healthcare distrust

Project Talk Trial

end-of-life conversations

racial disparities

ethnic differences

cluster-randomized study

resource-limited communities

healthcare system distrust scale

equitable communication

Project Talk Trial

Medical Mistrust

Healthcare System Distrust Scale

Advance care planning

Baseline Analysis