Abstract

Health disparities by race in the United States have been persistent over decades and one possible reason for that could be that physicians are communicating differently with different races. The purpose of this study was to systematically review literature regarding the relationship of patient race/ethnicity with physician-patient communication. The overall project of which this is a part is a mixed methods review, but my part of the study involved only studies using observational data such as audio and video recordings of physician-patient encounters. This study investigated research that compares physician communication with patients across a wide range of ethnic groups, including multiple communication behaviors. Eighteen different content analysis-based studies were identified and analyzed. Most of the studies drew a comparison between White patients and Black patients. Physicians were more likely to use more positive affective behavior with White patients than Black patients. All of the other analyses did not show a difference by race. Overall, few studies showed whether any racial differences affect health outcomes of patients.

Thesis Completion

2023

Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Miller, Ann

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Community Innovation and Education

Department

Health Management & Informatics

Degree Program

Health Services Administration

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

12-5-2023

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