Medical Mistrust: A Concept Analysis

Background The term “medical mistrust” has increased in literary usage within the last ten years, but the term has not yet been given a full conceptualization. This article analyzes usage of the term “medical mistrust” in extant literature in order to articulate its antecedents, attributes, and consequences. The aim of this article is to provide a preliminary conceptual definition and conceptual figure for medical mistrust. Methods Walker & Avant’s (2019) conceptual analysis method was used. PUBMED, CINAHL, SCOPUS, PSYCinfo, and Google search engines were used. Results Medical mistrust is a social determinant of health fueled by a fear of harm and exploitation, and is experienced at both the interpersonal and institutional level, reinforced by structural racism and systemic inequalities. Medical mistrust is predicated by historical trauma, socioeconomic disparities, medical gaslighting, medical traumatic experiences, maladaptive health beliefs and behaviors, individual minority identity, and is transmitted intergenerationally and culturally. Consequences of medical mistrust include underutilization of health services, delays in diagnosis and care, poor treatment adherence, poor health outcomes, negative psychological effects, and an increase in the uptake of medical misinformation and maladaptive health behaviors. Conclusion The findings of this concept analysis have important implications for healthcare providers, healthcare systems, researchers, as well as healthcare policy makers.