The Effect of Patient-Centered Care: Trust Between Racially Discordant Physician-Patient Interactions

Abstract

Racial disparities in the healthcare system are extremely prevalent in the United States, contributing to worse outcomes in physical and mental health for Black Americans. Affected by persistent nonverbal expressions of bias by their White physicians, Black patients are often distrustful in racially-discordant medical interactions, which discourages healthcare-related behaviors such as seeking and adhering to treatment. The present study sought to evaluate patient-centered care approaches in mitigating the effects of physician nonverbal behaviors on patient trust in interracial interactions. Using a simulated telehealth visit scenario, Black participants watched videos featuring White physicians exhibiting either positive or negative nonverbal behaviors, and were exposed to either a patient-centered condition or served as controls. Results indicated that, while White physicians' nonverbal behaviors were confirmed to influence patient trust and perceptions of the physician’s warmth and competence, patient-centered care did not fully disrupt this relationship. The study suggested the need for further research to refine patient-centered approaches in addressing racial dynamics in medical interactions.