Perceptions of Patient-Clinician Communication Among Patients Living With and Without A Serious Illness
A study published in JAMA Network Open examined patient-clinician communication experiences among U.S. adults living with and without a serious illness. The findings highlighted that patients living with a serious illness face communication inequities despite their heightened need for patient-centered care. Individuals with multiple marginalized identities—such as those with lower income, limited education, language barriers, or disabilities—experience additional challenges, including concerns about fairness, time constraints, and power imbalances with clinicians. These results underscore the need for enhanced communication skills and targeted interventions. Authors recommend that future research should explore how sociodemographic factors influence these disparities and develop strategies to ensure high-quality communication for all seriously ill patients.
The study's lead author will be presenting a pre-conference workshop at CAPC's National Seminar in September.