Community Member and Health Care Provider Perspectives on Communication With Chinese American Patients With Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

PURPOSE: Effective health care provider-patient discussions of cancer diagnoses and prognoses are essential to enhance health outcomes in oncology. Chinese Americans have been designated an underserved population in oncology by the National Institutes of Health. We explored the perspectives of Boston Chinese American community members and health care providers regarding communication preferences and decision making in oncology care. METHODS: In this inductive, qualitative study, we conducted virtual, semi-structured interviews with 21 health care providers with experience in caring for Chinese American patients with cancer and 25 older Boston Chinatown community members who self-identify as Chinese or Chinese American. Thematic analysis was performed. Results: Two major themes were identified. First, provider communication should incorporate a gentle but truthful approach, careful word choice, authority-led style, and professionalism. Second, the family plays a large role in medical and nonmedical settings, and a family-centered approach to communication should be used. Conclusion: Our study builds on and challenges current knowledge regarding oncologic communication with Chinese American patients. A focus on the improvement of provider-patient cancer communication for Chinese Americans will improve care quality and satisfaction among patients and clinicians alike and serve to decrease disparities in care.