This scoping review examines how trust in public health institutions in predominantly English-speaking OECD countries (Canada, USA, UK, New Zealand, and Australia) has changed during global health emergencies from January 1, 2002, onward. It aims to explore the evolution of trust in public health during communicable disease outbreaks that cross international borders and the factors influencing these dynamics.
Background
Trust is defined as "the optimistic acceptance of a vulnerable situation in which the truster believes the trustee will care for the truster's interests." In times of healthcare crises, populations experience increased vulnerability, necessitating trust in public health institutions. Global outbreaks, driven by human and goods movement, influence trust dynamics. This study evaluates trust during health emergencies like SARS (2003), H1N1 (2009), MERS (2012), Ebola (2013–2016), Zika (2015), and COVID-19 (2019).
Research Question
How has trust in public health institutions in predominantly English-speaking OECD countries changed during health emergencies with a global dimension after January 1, 2002, and how were these changes experienced by individuals?
Methods
Framework:
JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis, scoping review methodology.
Databases:
Medline, Public Health Database, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science.
Search Strategy:
Combines themes of "trust," "public health," and "emergencies" with country-specific terms. Articles are limited to 2002–current and predominantly in English.
Screening Tool:
Covidence software to manage, deduplicate, and screen articles using refined inclusion/exclusion criteria.
Quality Assessment:
Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) for all selected articles.
Screening Criteria
Inclusion
Focus on trust in public health during healthcare emergencies
Data from selected OECD countries (Canada, USA, UK, New Zealand, Australia)
Adults (18+)
Empirical primary research or systematic/scoping reviews/meta-analyses
Exclusion
Trust outside public health
Data from outside selected countries
Non-empirical studies
Articles pre-2002
Significance
This study will contribute to the understanding of trust in public health, offering insights into how outbreaks influence public trust and behavior. It aims to inform policies and strategies that strengthen public health measures, particularly in Canada and other English-speaking OECD countries, amid evolving geopolitical and health landscapes.