A concept analysis of trust

Abstract

Trust is an important and pervasive concept. In nursing, it has been considered primarily from two perspectives. Clinically, it is an important aspect of the nurse-patient relationship. Organizationally, trust is associated with various outcomes and levels of effectiveness. Much of the nursing literature that discusses trust relies upon vague conceptualizations or borrows from other disciplines. The absence of a clear conceptualization of trust has been cited. A core concept of trust is presented which is applicable to nursing in both clinical and organizational settings. Established methods for concept analysis are supplemented by a sequential step model developed by the author. The concept is developed as both process and outcome, and the relationships of the two states to measurement of the concept are identified. The utilization of the core concept in context-specific instances is discussed, and suggestions are made for further research.