Putting nonverbal communication under a lens: An examination of the dynamic interplay of patient–provider interactions between Black patients and non‐Black physicians

Abstract

Patient–physician communication, both verbal and nonverbal, can be negatively impacted by discordant dyads. Improvement in nonverbal cues and recognition of implicit biases may help mitigate suboptimal outcomes due to poor communication.

Black (patients’) lives matter: Exploring the role of identity-safety cues in healthcare settings among Black Americans

“…The current studies focused on male physicians given that men comprise nearly 59% of general practice physicians in the United States (AAMC, 2019a) and tend to be viewed as prototypical of their race (and consequently, may show stronger effects of our manipulation; Schug et al, 2015; Zarate and Smith, 1990). Moreover, although extensive research documents expectations of racism between Black and White individuals, there is evidence that clinical interactions between Black patients and other non-Black physicians are also characterized by racial bias (Ibilibor and Moses, 2020; Onyeador et al, 2020; Sabin et al, 2009). Future research should examine whether the current findings generalize to female physicians and to other racial/ethnic groups (e.g.…”

Time to Reflect and Take Action on Health Disparities and Health Inequities

“…Ibilibor and Moses (2021) note that shorter visit times, less rapport-building behaviors and statements, and lower participatory decision-making are unfortunate characteristics of patient–physician interactions for Black patients in racially discordant pairs. As there is a link between patient-centered communication and patient trust in their physician, poor-quality interactions may contribute to lower postvisit trust in physicians that Black patients report.…”