Examining the Impact of Perceived Patient-Centered Communication and Institutional Trust on Digital Health Engagement Behaviors

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between perceived patient-centered communication, institutional trust, and digital health engagement behaviors. Specifically, we examine whether patient-centered communication is associated with digital health engagement behaviors: a) viewing test results, b) reading clinical notes, and c) sharing health data with providers, and whether institutional trust is associated with these relationships. Data used were from the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey cycle 7. Path analysis was conducted using the lavaan package in R. Out of the 3,475 participants, perceived patient-centered communication significantly predicted sharing health data. Patient-centered communication influenced patients’ use of online medical records to view test results indirectly through institutional trust, suggesting that trust may play a selective role in certain health engagement behaviors. Results have practical implications for designing communication strategies, underscoring the importance of both interpersonal communication and institutional trust in promoting active digital health engagement. This study contributes to a better understanding of factors related to how patients engage with digital healthcare systems, providing insights into how communication experiences and institutional trust may shape digital health participation.