What is a potential psychological outcome of inadequate comfort care?

Inadequate comfort care can lead to increased anxiety and decreased trust in the healthcare team due to the critical role that comfort and emotional support play in a patient's overall experience in a healthcare setting. When patients feel that their comfort needs are not being met—whether physically, emotionally, or psychologically—they can become anxious about their situation and the effectiveness of their care.

This anxiety may stem from fear of pain, discomfort, or uncertainty about their health status. As a result, patients might start to lose trust in the healthcare professionals responsible for their care, perceiving them as uncaring or unable to address their needs. This breakdown in trust can further exacerbate feelings of anxiety and fear, creating a cycle that hinders recovery and negatively impacts the overall patient experience. Recognizing the importance of adequate comfort care in alleviating these feelings helps healthcare providers understand the emotional and psychological dimensions of patient care.