Journal of general internal medicine
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Potential research participants, particularly those from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in medical research, often decide to participate based on how they judge people, places, and study protocols as trustworthy. And yet, few studies have explored notions of trustworthiness or determinants of trustworthiness from the perspective of potential medical research participants. ⋯ These findings highlight that one's willingness to participate in research is driven in part by their perception of the trustworthiness of researchers, research institutions, and the information they are given about potential research opportunities. There are important and modifiable determinants of trustworthiness that may facilitate minority participation in research. We found that research, researchers, and research institutions each have things that can be done to increase trustworthiness and minority participation in research.
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Sexual harassment of women is a pervasive problem. Prior studies found that sexual harassment of female providers by patients is common, but guidance on addressing this problem is limited. ⋯ Our qualitative study found that sexual harassment of female providers by patients is an ongoing problem, disruptive to the patient-provider relationship, and a possible threat to the well-being of both provider and patient. Formal training on how to address this problem was lacking, but all providers had developed or adapted strategies based on personal experiences or role modeling. Educating providers on strategies is an important next step to addressing this problem.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally transformed doctor-patient communication, stripping away moments of connection that define the humanism of medicine. The barrier of isolation has impacted patients and patient care, and has also affected the experience of the physician. Though in-person connection is impossible to replicate digitally, technology has restored some sense of togetherness.