Race and Patient-Physician Communication on Blood Pressure Management: Helping Improve Care

TL;DR

This paper explores how race and ethnicity affect communication between patients and doctors about blood pressure, and suggests ways to improve care for underrepresented groups.

Contribution

The paper highlights the need for culturally sensitive communication strategies and policies to address disparities in hypertension care.

Findings

Underrepresented racial and ethnic groups face suboptimal patient-physician communication in blood pressure management.

Strategies like self-affirmation and technology-based interventions can improve communication and outcomes.

Cultural humility training and community engagement enhance blood pressure control in minoritized populations.

Abstract

To provide an overview of the relationship of race and ethnicity and patient-physician/clinician communication on blood pressure management.

The suboptimal interactions experienced by patients from underrepresented racial and ethnic populations may be improved by enriching relationships among clinicians, population health scientists, policymakers, and community members/leaders. Current care communication and policies for managing hypertension appear to be insufficient. Implementing and disseminating effective strategies to efficiently improve the quality of hypertension care and recognize social determinants of health among minoritized populations is intertwined with enhanced communication.

Approaches such as self-affirmation—encouraging patients to reflect on their strengths and values—can enhance patient-clinician communication. The use of standardized blood pressure management protocols and technology-based interventions (such as telehealth or mobile health apps) can improve healthcare communication and outcomes. Integration of cultural humility and sensitivity training, and engagement with community-based organizations positively impact patient-physician/clinician communication and resultant blood pressure reduction and control. Future research should focus upon implementation of policies to prioritize solutions to overcome communication barriers, with an emphasis on equity and the unique needs of minoritized populations.

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