AUTHOR=Mielke Juliane , Cajita Maan Isabella , Denhaerynck Kris , Valenta Sabine , Dobbels Fabienne , Russell Cynthia L. , De Geest Sabina , the BRIGHT study team , Almenar-Bonet Luis , Ayoub Andrea Cotait , Barone Fernanda , Berben Lut , Bernard Andrée , Brossa-Loidi Vicens , Canales Karyn Ryan , Clair Katherine St. , Cleemput Johan Van , Coleman Bernice , Crespo-Leiro Marisa G. , Cupples Sandra , Davidson Patricia M. , De Aguiar Roza Bartira , De Almeida Samira Scalso , De Simone Paolo , Doesch Andreas , Epstein Flavio R. , Firouzi Ashi , Fisher Grant , Flattery Maureen , Groenewoud Albert , Haddad Haissam , Harkess Michelle , Horvath Eva , Poncelet Alain Jean , Kaan Annemarie , Kao Andrew , Kozuszko Stella , Kugler Christiane , Livi Ugolino , Ludrosky Kristin , Maddicks-Law Joanne , Michel Magali , Miller Tara , Mohacsi Paul , Molina Maria , Ohler Linda , Parry Gareth , Potenta Luciano , Riotto Cheryl , Saint-Gerons Carmen Segura , Sebbag Laurent , Segovia-Cubero Javier , Trammell Jacqueline TITLE=Trust in the Transplant Team Associated With the Level of Chronic Illness Management—A Secondary Data Analysis of the International BRIGHT Study JOURNAL=Transplant International VOLUME=37 YEAR=2024 URL=https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/journals/transplant-international/articles/10.3389/ti.2024.11704 DOI=10.3389/ti.2024.11704 ISSN=1432-2277 ABSTRACT=

A trustful relationship between transplant patients and their transplant team (interpersonal trust) is essential in order to achieve positive health outcomes and behaviors. We aimed to 1) explore variability of trust in transplant teams; 2) explore the association between the level of chronic illness management and trust; 3) investigate the relationship of trust on behavioral outcomes. A secondary data analysis of the BRIGHT study (ID: NCT01608477; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01608477?id=NCT01608477&rank=1) was conducted, including multicenter data from 36 heart transplant centers from 11 countries across four different continents. A total of 1,397 heart transplant recipients and 100 clinicians were enrolled. Trust significantly varied among the transplant centers. Higher levels of chronic illness management were significantly associated with greater trust in the transplant team (patients: AOR= 1.85, 95% CI = 1.47–2.33, p < 0.001; clinicians: AOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.07–1.71, p = 0.012). Consultation time significantly moderated the relationship between chronic illness management levels and trust only when clinicians spent ≥30 min with patients. Trust was significantly associated with better diet adherence (OR = 1.34, 95%CI = 1.01–1.77, p = 0.040). Findings indicate the relevance of trust and chronic illness management in the transplant ecosystem to achieve improved transplant outcomes. Thus, further investment in re-engineering of transplant follow-up toward chronic illness management, and sufficient time for consultations is required.