Exploring patient-provider communication experiences of Asian Indian patients in the United States: A scoping review

Effective provider-patient communication directly influences patient satisfaction, treatment adherence, and health outcomes, yet the unique experiences of Asian Indians-one of the fastest-growing U.S. subpopulations-remain underexplored. This scoping review mapped existing research about patient-provider communication of Asian Indian patients in the U.S. healthcare system.

Five databases were searched through January 2025: APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, Communication and Mass Media, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. The Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews were followed as well as PRISM-Scr reporting guidelines.

Out of 559 records identified through data base searches and 10 by other means, 11 articles met inclusion criteria. Findings revealed a focus on first-generation immigrants, and, to a lesser extent, on women and the elderly. Communication issues examined in the included studies were respect and trust in patient-provider relationships, cultural stigma and misunderstandings, family involvement in care, provider gender and ethnic concordance, language barriers, and patient engagement and decision-making. A heavy reliance on qualitative methods such as interviews was evident.

The current evidence base remains fragmented, with methodological limitations. These gaps are not just academic concerns; they also have direct consequences for health equity, treatment adherence, and patient safety. As the Asian Indian population continues to grow, research investigating culturally competent, evidence-based communication strategies will be essential to delivering effective patient-centered care.