As a CVD patient leader with firsthand experience, I can tell you that acceptance doesn’t come easily—it hinges on social proof. Patients don’t just need to hear about treatment; they need to see that others have walked this road and thrived. Show them stories of people who faced the same battles, who struggled, found strength, and ultimately triumphed. Facilitate those connections. And, trust will follow. Don’t just tell them; ask them—what matters most to you? What do you truly value? Demonstrate how this journey toward better health supports those aspirations. And most importantly, be empathetic. Trust isn’t a byproduct—it’s the foundation of true patient care. Show that you’re not just guiding them; you’re standing with them.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a patient on a care plan, a potential partner on a project, or anyone else for anything else: if you want to build trust, under promise and over deliver. Always. Also, ask questions. Find their pain points. Just because they have a list of disease states or challenges, without input from the patient, you might be offering solutions to problems they may not want to tackle, or be ready to tackle yet. They have a right and a say in their care.

Motivational interviewing is a fantastic, evidence-based communication strategy that can help determine what patients need vs. what we think they need. Balancing clinical needs with the needs of an individual patient can be challenging but is important to the patient's success and helping them reach optimal health. In addition, the most underutilized communication skill is listening. Listening to patients signals a desire to learn about them, receive their input, and understand where they are coming from. This helps build connection which gains trust. Take a moment to stop and listen, observe, and confirm what a patient is telling you, it will serve you well in several ways.

Building trust with patients is fundamental in healthcare. As a former ICU nurse and now an Anesthesia Technologist, I believe that trust begins with active listening, empathy, and transparent communication. Empowering patients involves educating them about their options, involving them in decisions, and respecting their values. Through these strategies, I’ve seen how a collaborative approach fosters confidence and engagement in their care journey.