Culture, Language, and the Doctor-Patient Relationship

The aim of this review was to determine how differences between doctors and patients in terms of race, ethnicity and language affect the quality of the doctor-patient relationship. A literature review was conducted to assess the existing evidence on ethnic and racial differences in the quality of physician-patient communication and the physician-patient relationship. Consistent evidence was found that race, ethnicity and language have a significant impact on the quality of physician and patient relationships. Minority patients, especially those who are not fluent in English, are less likely to elicit empathetic responses from physicians, establish rapport with physicians, receive sufficient information and be encouraged to participate in medical decision-making. As minority patients are more likely to choose minority physicians, they are more satisfied with their language relationships and feel more connected and involved in decision-making with racially compatible physicians. Further evidence supports that 'majority' doctors should be more effective in developing relationships and communication with ethnic and racial minority patients.
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1023/A:1013812802937.pdf