Enhancing patient-physician communication: a community and culturally based approach

African American women are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages of breast cancer.

A total of 15 residents participated in a program to increase their self-efficacy in communication skills relevant to understanding and responding to African American cultural issues associated with mammography screening.

Physicians reported increasing confidence in their ability to elicit barriers to mammography; assess cultural beliefs and norms; assess perceived health benefits and emotional adjustment; engage in emotional talk; motivate; and negotiate and build partnerships with patients.

A brief program can increase physician communication skills to meet the needs of a diverse population.