Meng-Yun Lin1, Nancy R Kressin2. 1. Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA; Health Policy and Management Department, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA. Electronic address: mylin@bu.edu. 2. Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA; VA BostonHealthcare System, Boston, USA. Electronic address: nkressin@bu.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Despite widespread documentation of racial/ethnic disparities in medical care, population-wide variation in Americans' experiences with care are not well understood. We examined whether race/ethnicity is associated with information received from physicians regarding treatment recommendations. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from a nationally representative sample (N=1238). We assessed patients' personal experiences of receiving information about the rationale for treatment recommendations from their physicians. RESULTS: Overall, respondents of minority race/ethnicity received less information from their doctors about the rationale for treatment recommendations. After adjustment for possible confounders, doctors talked less often with patients of 'other' race/ethnicity about reasons for treatment recommendations. Both Blacks' and Hispanics' doctors less often cited their own experiences, or scientific research as a reason for treatment recommendations. CONCLUSION: Americans' experiences with information communicated by physicians regarding treatment rationale varies significantly on some dimensions by race/ethnicity, suggesting that differences in key elements of shared decision making are evident in the care of racial/ethnic minorities. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Physicians should evaluate the extent to which their communication with patients varies by patient race/ethnicity, and make efforts to ensure that they share equally with all patients regarding the rationale for treatment recommendations.
OBJECTIVE: Despite widespread documentation of racial/ethnic disparities in medical care, population-wide variation in Americans' experiences with care are not well understood. We examined whether race/ethnicity is associated with information received from physicians regarding treatment recommendations. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from a nationally representative sample (N=1238). We assessed patients' personal experiences of receiving information about the rationale for treatment recommendations from their physicians. RESULTS: Overall, respondents of minority race/ethnicity received less information from their doctors about the rationale for treatment recommendations. After adjustment for possible confounders, doctors talked less often with patients of 'other' race/ethnicity about reasons for treatment recommendations. Both Blacks' and Hispanics' doctors less often cited their own experiences, or scientific research as a reason for treatment recommendations. CONCLUSION: Americans' experiences with information communicated by physicians regarding treatment rationale varies significantly on some dimensions by race/ethnicity, suggesting that differences in key elements of shared decision making are evident in the care of racial/ethnic minorities. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Physicians should evaluate the extent to which their communication with patients varies by patient race/ethnicity, and make efforts to ensure that they share equally with all patients regarding the rationale for treatment recommendations.
Authors: Ana Castaneda-Guarderas; Jeffrey Glassberg; Corita R Grudzen; Ka Ming Ngai; Margaret E Samuels-Kalow; Erica Shelton; Stephen P Wall; Lynne D Richardson Journal: Acad Emerg Med Date: 2016-12 Impact factor: 5.221
Authors: Gabrielle E Hatton; Krislynn M Mueck; Isabel M Leal; Shuyan Wei; Tien C Ko; Lillian S Kao Journal: World J Surg Date: 2020-09-11 Impact factor: 3.352
Authors: Joaquin Michel; Jorge Ballon; Sarah E Connor; David C Johnson; Jonathan Bergman; Christopher S Saigal; Mark S Litwin; Dana L Alden Journal: MDM Policy Pract Date: 2021-05-27