Trust in the patient–provider relationship: an arts-based research film exploring trust in adolescents and young adults with HIV

Arts-based research offers an innovative method for exploring complex emotions such as trust by capturing subjective experiences that traditional methods may overlook. Adolescents and young adults with HIV (AYA-WH) are less likely than older adults to achieve viral suppression and remain engaged in care, with only 40–60% retained one year post-transition to adult services. Patient-provider trust plays a critical role in care engagement and adherence, yet little is known about how AYA-WH experience and interpret trust. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach guided by Caring Science, Carper’s Ways of Knowing, and Robinson’s trust-building model, researchers analyzed free-text survey responses from 108 participants (60% male, 61% non-white, and 39% perinatally acquired HIV). Iterative coding revealed key themes, culminating in Trust: An Exploration in Three Parts, a six-minute film co-created with an award-winning playwright. The film presents themes of trust, patient-provider relationships, and silver linings, offering providers an accessible tool to foster trust and improve care engagement.