Keywords

Indian Americans; Patient-provider communication; Aspects impacting health communication; Immigrant health; Cross-cultural; Health Communication

Abstract

Effective provider-patient communication directly influences patient satisfaction, treatment adherence, and health outcomes, yet the unique experiences of Indian Americans—one of the fastest-growing U.S. populations—remain underexplored in communication research. This scoping review, following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, systematically mapped the existing literature on provider-patient communication involving Indian Americans. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria, with data extracted on methods, populations, and seven coded aspects related to communication.

Findings revealed a narrow focus on first-generation immigrants and women, leaving men’s experiences and second-generation voices largely unexamined. Communication was shaped by language discordance, cultural stigma, family involvement, trust dynamics, and health literacy. No studies focused explicitly on mental health communication or the use of technology to facilitate communication.

This review highlights both what is known and what remains missing, offering a map for future research to move beyond first-generation language barriers and address the evolving experiences, needs, and communication preferences of a diverse and growing Indian American population.

Thesis Completion Year

2025

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Miller, Ann

College

College of Medicine

Department

Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences

Thesis Discipline

Health Communication

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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Rights Statement

In Copyright