Disparities in perceived patient-provider communication quality in the United States: Trends and correlates

Challenges of healthcare professionals in providing care to South Asian ethnic minority patients in Hong Kong: A qualitative study

Ethnic minorities across the globe encounter disparities in healthcare. While a great deal of research has been conducted on the experiences of these patients, studies focusing on the perspectives of healthcare professionals are limited, particularly in the context of Asia. This study explores the perceptions of and challenges faced by Hong Kong healthcare professionals in the provision of culturally appropriate care to South Asian ethnic minority patients. Taking a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with 22 healthcare professionals. Two main themes were identified: 'lack of support' at the healthcare system level and 'dysfunctional relationship with South Asian ethnic minority patients' at the interpersonal level. Challenges at the healthcare system level include information outreach, cultural competency, utilisation of available resources and time and workload, whereas challenges at the interpersonal level include patient-provider interaction, patient-provider perceptions of illness and care and patient-provider sociocultural discordance. Intercultural care was found to be influenced by both the healthcare system and interpersonal characteristics. The study highlights the need for healthcare professional education and training in cultural competency, in order to improve the provision of intercultural care. Identifying the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and the implications of these challenges for the provision of healthcare to South Asian ethnic minority patients will help practitioners, policy makers and care provider agencies to improve quality of care and health outcomes for culturally diverse patients.

Perceived Patient-Provider Communication Quality and Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Watching Health-Related Videos on YouTube: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

BACKGROUND

Approximately 73% of US adults use YouTube, making it the most popular social media platform. Misinformation on social media is a growing concern; recent studies show a high proportion of misinformative health-related videos. Several studies on patient-provider communication and general health information seeking have been conducted. However, few studies to date have examined the potential association between patient-provider communication and health information seeking on specific social media platforms such as YouTube. A better understanding of this relationship may inform future health communication interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to use nationally representative cross-sectional data to describe the association between perceived patient-provider communication quality and sociodemographic factors on watching YouTube health-related videos.

METHODS

Data from the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey were analyzed (N=3504). The primary outcome was whether participants watched a health-related video on YouTube over the past 12 months. A patient-provider communication composite score was created by summing responses about how often providers did the following: (1) gave you the chance to ask all the health-related questions you had, (2) gave attention to your feelings, (3) involved you in health care decisions as much as you wanted, (4) made sure that you understood the things you needed to do to take care of your health, (5) explained things in a way that you could understand, (6) spent enough time with you, and (7) helped you deal with feelings of uncertainty. Sociodemographic factors included age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were conducted.

RESULTS

Approximately 1067 (35% weighted prevalence) participants reported watching a health-related video on YouTube. Higher perceived quality of patient-provider communication on the composite score was significantly associated with lower odds of watching health-related videos on YouTube. Regarding sociodemographic factors, increasing age and being a high school graduate (compared with college graduate) were associated with lower odds of watching health-related videos on YouTube; whereas, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asians were more likely to have watched a health-related video on YouTube. For individual aspects of patient-physician communication, two of seven patient-provider communication variables were significant. Those who reported that providers "sometimes" spent enough time with them had higher odds of watching a health-related video on YouTube, compared with those who said providers "always" spent enough time with them. Participants reporting that they "never" have a chance to ask all their health-related questions also had higher odds of watching health-related videos on YouTube compared with those who reported "always."

CONCLUSIONS

Higher perceived quality of patient-provider communication is associated with lower odds of watching health-related videos on YouTube. When providers do not spend enough time or give an opportunity to ask questions, patients are more likely to pursue health information on social media.

Patient-provider communication quality for persons with disabilities: A cross-sectional analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey

BACKGROUND

It is unclear how perceived patient-provider communication quality (PPPCQ) varies according to disability status. Lack of adequate patient-provider communication may prevent providers from considering healthcare issues that are relevant and important to persons with disabilities (PWD), potentially contributing to poorer health outcomes.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

To examine PPPCQ by disability status using current U.S. Department of Health and Human Services standards for surveillance of functional disabilities.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used nationally-representative data from the 2012-2013 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Participants were categorized as having any disability (hearing, vision, mobility, cognitive, self-care, and/or independent living limitations). PPPCQ was assessed using seven HINTS questions about communication with healthcare professionals. Linear regression was used to estimate mean differences in composite PPPCQ scores, and logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for a provider "always or usually" performing PPPCQ.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 5301 participants, representing 180,442,731 U.S. adults. Overall, 22.1% (weighted) reported any disability. Adjusted mean PPPCQ scores were significantly lower for PWD (72.8, 95% CI: 68.2-77.4) than persons without disability (78.3, 95% CI: 76.5-80.2), p = 0.021. More specifically, PWD were significantly less likely to be given attention needed to address feelings and emotions (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4, 0.9, p = 0.017), to have next steps understood (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.8, p = 0.019), and to receive a clear explanation (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.8, p = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

PWD are less likely to report key elements of effective patient-provider communication. Implementing patient-centered care may improve patient-provider communication for this vulnerable population.

Patient centeredness: The perspectives of uninsured primary care patients in the United States

Introduction

Patient-centered care has become increasingly important within the United States (US) healthcare system. Given that patient-centered care predicts patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and cost-effectiveness, it is of the utmost importance to study patient-centered care from the perspectives of marginalized populations including minorities, immigrants, and other underserved populations. The purpose of this study is to examine factors that affect underserved primary care patients’ perceptions of patient centeredness.

Methods

The data were cross-sectional and collected in Fall 2016. Free clinic patients (N = 723) completed a self-administered survey, which measures patient centeredness, patient involvement in care, and clinical empathy. Validated measures were part of the survey, and the internal consistency of scales was tested. The general linear model was performed to predict factors associated with patients’ perceptions of patient centeredness.

Results

Higher levels of perceived patient involvement in care and higher levels of perceived empathy in consultation are related to higher levels of patient centeredness. While better physical health is associated with higher levels of perceived empathy in consultation, high levels of emotional health and depression are not.

Conclusions

Patients’ perceptions of involvement and empathy are important factors for patient-centered care, although this study did not show causal directions among variables. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that future studies should focus on the following three points: (1) to develop and evaluate trainings for providers, (2) develop education classes for patients who utilize free clinics, (3) analyze how these programs affect patient-centered care and health outcomes.

Health Disparities in Access to Nonpharmacologic Therapies in an Urban Community

OBJECTIVE

The overuse of prescription opioids for chronic pain is recognized as a public health crisis. Yet, poor access to nonpharmacologic treatments is the norm in low-income, racially and ethnically diverse patients with chronic pain. The main objective of this study was to understand how chronic pain impacts low-income individuals with chronic pain and their communities from multiple perspectives.

DESIGN

This was a qualitative study using a Science Café methodology.

SETTING

The Science Café event was held at an urban community center in Boston, MA.

SUBJECTS

Inclusion criteria included the following: having the ability to attend the event, being at least 18 years of age or older, and participating in English.

METHODS

Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires and audio or video recordings of two focus groups. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed with SAS 9.3 and NVivo 10.

RESULTS

Thirty participants attended the Science Café event. The average age was 45 years, 77% reported as female, 42% identified as black, and 19% as Hispanic. Participants identified themselves as either patients (46%) or providers (54%) to the chronic pain community. Our forum revealed three major themes: (1) nonpharmacologic options for chronic pain management are warranted, (2) larger sociodemographic and contextual factors influence management of chronic pain, and (3) both patients and providers value the patient-provider relationship and acknowledge the need for better communication for patients with chronic pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research should consider identifying and addressing disparities in access to nonpharmacologic treatments for chronic pain in relation to underlying social determinants of health, particularly for racially and ethnically diverse patients.

Patient Centered Communication and E-Health Information Exchange Patterns: Findings From a National Cross-Sectional Survey

This paper aimed to determine whether there was a connection between patient’s perception of communication with their doctors in the visit and their use of online health information exchange using a nationally representative survey. We used the data from the Health Information National Trends survey pooled HINTS4 Cycle 4 data and assessed outcomes using logistic regression modeling composite communication scores as a continuous variable. We weighted participants to create population-level estimates. We adjusted for age, gender, race, and census region. The 3677 patients were included in the analysis who had an outpatient visit within the previous 12 months. In unadjusted analysis and analysis adjusted for demographic factors, patients who experienced higher communication scores were more likely to use online health information exchange with their providers. In unadjusted analysis, patients had 0.04 higher odds of interest in receiving appointment reminders from health care providers electronically (OR = 1.04 and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} }{}$p=0.01$ \end{document}) and 0.03 higher odds of interest in receiving general health tips (OR = 1.03 and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} }{}$p=0.04$ \end{document}) for every score increase in the communication summary score. In adjusted model, for each score increment in the communication score, patients were 7% more inclined to receive appointment reminders (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} }{}$p< 0.05$ \end{document}), 4% more inclined to receive general health tips (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} }{}$p=0.02$ \end{document}), and 4% more likely to exchange information about lifestyle behaviors (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} }{}$p=0.02$ \end{document}). Findings suggest that the quality of the communication in the visit might increase use of informatics tool to exchange health information.

Communicating with diverse patients: How patient and clinician factors affect disparities

OBJECTIVE

Patient-clinician communication (PCC) may generate or reduce healthcare disparities. This paper is based on the 2017 International Conference on Communication in Healthcare keynote address and reviews PCC literature as a research area for the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD).

METHODS

A narrative review of selected evidence on disparities in PCC experienced by race and ethnic minorities, associations between PCC and poor health outcomes, and patient and clinician factors related to PCC.

RESULTS

Factors associated with poor quality PCC on the patient level include being a member of racial/ethnic minority, having limited English proficiency, and low health and digital literacy; on the clinician level, being less culturally competent, lacking communication skills to facilitate shared decision-making, and holding unconscious biases. Recommendations include offering patient- and/or clinician-targeted interventions to guard against unconscious biases and improve PCC, screening patients for health literacy and English proficiency, integrating PCC in performance processes, and leveraging health information technologies to address unconscious biases.

CONCLUSION

EffectivePCC is a pathway to decrease health disparities and promote health equity.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Standardized collection of social determinants of health in the Electronic Health Record is an importantfirst step in promoting more effective PCC.

Factors affecting the communication experiences of newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed patient-centered communication (PCC) among newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients. PCC, a key part of patient-centered care, contributes directly and indirectly to health-related quality of life, satisfaction with care, and other outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a survey of patients in North Carolina, using a theoretically-based and validated measure that provides an overall PCC score and subscale scores for six PCC functions.

RESULTS

A total of 501 patients participated. The highest scores were for the PCC functions of Fostering Healing Relationships, Exchanging Information, and Making Decisions. The lowest scores were for the functions of Managing Uncertainty and Enabling Self-Management, yet these were functions respondents rated as most important. Respondents who thought about more than one health professional (versus oncologist) reported better communication. PCC also varied by treatment type, mental and physical health status, age, race, and education.

CONCLUSION

Most patients reported good communication overall, however patients in poor physical health and mental health reported worse communication. The quality of communication varied across the PCC functions.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Health professionals need to use a PCC approach that builds trust, respects the patient, provides salient information that patients can understand, provides emotional support, and facilitates the patient's engagement in care.

The Clinical Examination and Socially At-Risk Populations: The Examination Matters for Health Disparities

Data from the United States show that persons from low socioeconomic backgrounds, those who are socially isolated, belong to racial or ethnic minority groups, or identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender experience health disparities at a higher rate. Clinicians must transition from a biomedical to a biopsychosocial framework within the clinical examination to better address social determinants of health that contribute to health disparities. We review the characteristics of successful patient-clinician interactions. We describe strategies for relationship-centered care within routine encounters. Our goal is to train clinicians to mitigate differences and reduce disparities in health care delivery.

Understanding the Role of Message Frames on African-American Willingness to Participate in a Hypothetical Diabetes Prevention Study

The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of message framing (e.g., highlighting health disparities vs. progress toward reducing disparities) on willingness to enroll in a hypothetical research study. African-American (AA, n = 1513) and White (n = 362) adults completed an online survey about diabetes, health behaviors including physical activity, and attitudes about research. AA participants were randomized to view a general message (same message as provided to all White participants) or 1 of 4 alternate messages that framed the need for people to participate in research in terms of race and/or health disparities. Among AAs, there were no differences in willingness to enroll in the study by message frame. However, individual characteristics including younger age, female sex, attitudes about research, a sense of obligation, and community responsibility were significant predictors of willingness to enroll in the study. AA participants who received the general message were equally willing as White participants to enroll in the study. Highlighting race and health disparities in study recruitment materials may not be needed to increase interest among AAs. Factors beyond race appear to be stronger motivators for participation. Unlike previous research, racial framing did not suppress motivation to enroll in our hypothetical study.

Psychometric evaluation and design of patient-centered communication measures for cancer care settings

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the psychometric properties of questions that assess patient perceptions of patient-provider communication and design measures of patient-centered communication (PCC).

METHODS

Participants (adults with colon or rectal cancer living in North Carolina) completed a survey at 2 to 3 months post-diagnosis. The survey included 87 questions in six PCC Functions: Exchanging Information, Fostering Health Relationships, Making Decisions, Responding to Emotions, Enabling Patient Self-Management, and Managing Uncertainty. For each Function we conducted factor analyses, item response theory modeling, and tests for differential item functioning, and assessed reliability and construct validity.

RESULTS

Participants included 501 respondents; 46% had a high school education or less. Reliability within each Function ranged from 0.90 to 0.96. The PCC-Ca-36 (36-question survey; reliability=0.94) and PCC-Ca-6 (6-question survey; reliability=0.92) measures differentiated between individuals with poor and good health (i.e., known-groups validity) and were highly correlated with the HINTS communication scale (i.e., convergent validity).

CONCLUSION

This study provides theory-grounded PCC measures found to be reliable and valid in colorectal cancer patients in North Carolina. Future work should evaluate measure validity over time and in other cancer populations.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The PCC-Ca-36 and PCC-Ca-6 measures may be used for surveillance, intervention research, and quality improvement initiatives.

Discharge Against Medical Advice in the United States, 2002-2011

OBJECTIVE

To describe the national frequency, prevalence, and trends of discharge against medical advice (DAMA) among inpatient hospitalizations in the United States and identify differences across patient- and hospital-level characteristics, overall and in clinically distinct diagnostic subgroups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of inpatient hospitalizations (≥18 years), discharged between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2011, using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic, and joinpoint regression were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2011, more than 338,000 inpatient hospitalizations were discharged against medical advice each year, with a 1.9% average annual increase in prevalence over the decade (95% CI, 0.8%-3.0%). Temporal trends in DAMA varied by principal diagnosis. Among patients hospitalized for mental health- or substance abuse-related disorders, there was a -2.3% (95% CI, -3.8% to -0.8%) average annual decrease in the rate of DAMA. A statistically significant temporal rate change was not observed among hospitalizations for pregnancy-related disorders. Multivariable regression revealed several patient and hospital characteristics as predictors of DAMA, including lack of health insurance (odds ratio [OR], 3.78; 95% CI, 3.62-3.94), male sex (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 2.36-2.45), and northeast region (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.72-2.11). Other predictors included age, race/ethnicity, income, primary diagnosis, severity of illness, and hospital location/type and size.

CONCLUSION

Rates for DAMA have increased in the United States, and key differences exist across patient and hospital characteristics. Early identification of vulnerable patients and preventive measures such as improved patient-provider communication may reduce DAMA.

Healthcare experiences of a Black lesbian in the United States

Little is known about the healthcare experiences of Black lesbian and bisexual women. This exploratory study examined the healthcare experiences of a 24-year-old Black lesbian and the interconnection between race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual identity in her lived experiences. Data were gathered through an in-depth audio-recorded interview. Findings revealed the risks of and barriers to self-disclosure in healthcare settings, factors that influence the quality of the patient–provider relationship, and the positive and negative healthcare experiences of this Black American lesbian. This study is an important first step in exploring the healthcare experiences of Black lesbian and bisexual women. The findings of this case study highlight themes and avenues for future research. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Review: Increasing Awareness and Education on Health Disparities for Health Care Providers

The focus of this review is to highlight health care disparities and trends in several common diseases in selected populations while offering evidence-based approaches to mitigating health care disparities. Health care disparities cross many barriers and affect multiple populations and diseases. Ethnic minorities, the elderly, and those of lower socioeconomic status (SES) are more at-risk than others. However, many low SES Whites and higher SES racial minorities have poorer health than their racial or SES peers. Also, recent immigrant groups and Hispanics, in particular, maintain high health ratings. The so-called Hispanic Paradox provides an example of how culture and social background can be used to improve health outcomes. These groups have unique determinants of disparity that are based on a wide range of cultural and societal factors. Providing improved access to care and reducing the social determinants of disparity is crucial to improving public health. At the same time, for providers, increasing an understanding of the social determinants promotes better models of individualized care to encourage more equitable care. These approaches include increasing provider education on disparities encountered by different populations, practicing active listening skills, and utilizing a patient's cultural background to promote healthy behaviors.