Workshop fosters shared learning to build trust among patients and providers

Trust is an important part of an effective relationship between a patient and their health care provider. Research over time has shown that a trusting patient–provider relationship can be linked to stronger communication, better adherence to treatment, and improved health outcomes. Yet interventions to cultivate trust in providers have had mixed success. They have primarily focused on one-way education rather than allowing clinicians and patients to learn with and from one another. According to researchers from the Massachusetts CEAL Regional Team, a new approach is needed.

These researchers identified a different kind of intervention: a pilot workshop called Storytelling to Build Medical Trust. Developed by the nonprofit group Everyday Boston, the Storytelling workshop fosters patient-centered communication (PCC), in which providers prioritize the patient’s needs, values, and individual perspectives. The Storytelling workshop pilot engages community members and medical students in equal numbers and at the same time. Participants are guided through a series of five activities, each designed to spark connection and understanding through active listening, asking questions, and embracing open-minded curiosity.

“Igniting or re-igniting medical providers’ curiosity about their patients’ lives and strengthening skills that facilitate connection and understanding has the potential to improve the quality of PCC during encounters and, ultimately, trust.” PEC Innovation, July 2025

The impact of the workshop was measured using two methods. First, the medical students and community members were each provided surveys before the workshop, immediately after the workshop, and one month later. In addition, community members were interviewed in small groups one week after the session.

Analysis of the surveys and interviews found positive results that persisted. The medical students reported improved confidence in their abilities to provide PCC. These improvements continued one month after the workshop. Community members indicated higher levels of trust in the providers’ ability to communicate, as well as in their investment in the well-being of the community. They felt more empowered to advocate for their health needs. Community participants felt the workshop was positive and fruitful, while noting it was just a start.

Overall, the workshop holds promise as an intervention that moved the needle in growing trust between patients and practitioners. Echoing the community voices, the researchers state that the investigation is just the beginning. Future research to be co-developed with community members includes practicing clinicians and an expanded curriculum, all in an effort to boost effective communication, foster trust, and improve health outcomes.