OBJECTIVES: Communication between patients and providers is required for shared decision making, and their interpersonal interaction directly impacts treatment choices. We conducted a focus group study of patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) to identify factors relevant for treatment decisions. This analysis specifically explores provider trust and communication as an important, process-related theme.

METHODS: Patients with symptomatic PAD were recruited to participate in moderated focus groups. Focus groups lasted for approximately one hour, used a structured moderator’s guide, and were audio recorded. Verbatim transcripts were imported into a qualitative analytic software program and analyzed to identify key attributes and themes. Comments related to patient-provider interaction, communication, and trust were extracted and analyzed using thematic analysis, word frequency coding, and hierarchy charts.

RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Provider trust is inconsistent among patients with symptomatic PAD and may be affected by a variety of factors, some of which are not provider-specific. Understanding barriers to patient-provider trust may identify opportunities to improve interaction, facilitating shared decision-making.