Topical Review. Provider-Patient Interactions: An Important Consideration for Racial/Ethnic Health Disparities in Youth

Author(s)

L. Smith
Jessica Valenzuela, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-23-2015

Publication Title

Journal of Pediatric Psychology

Volume

41

Issue/Number

4

First Page

385

ISSN

0146-8693

Last Page

390

Abstract/Excerpt

Objective To summarize literature on the role of provider–patient interactions (PPI) in racial/ethnic health disparities and consider the relevance of PPI for understanding health disparities in pediatric psychology. Methods Topical review of literature focusing on health disparities and PPI in adult and pediatric populations. Results For adults, evidence is clear that racial/ethnic minorities experience poorer quality PPI, which may be associated with poorer health outcomes. In pediatric populations, the emerging literature indicates similar associations, and potential promising targets for intervention including information exchange, shared decision-making and patient-centered communication. PPI research in pediatric populations poses a number of methodological challenges including culturally and developmentally sensitive measurement of triadic (caregiver, patient, provider) interactions. Conclusions Health disparities in PPI exist for racial/ethnic minority youth and may contribute to poorer health outcomes. Pediatric psychologists can make valuable contributions, given their expertise and role within medical settings. Research, clinical, and policy recommendations are discussed.

DOI

10.1093/jpepsy/jsv086

NSUWorks Citation

Smith, L., Valenzuela, J. (2015). Topical Review. Provider-Patient Interactions: An Important Consideration for Racial/Ethnic Health Disparities in Youth. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 41(4), 385-390.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/989