Patient-Clinician Communication in the Appalachian Region: A Scoping Review.

Introduction: Effective communication between patients and clinicians is a critical component of quality health care, influencing disease prevention, management, and outcomes. In regions with unique socioeconomic and geographic challenges, communication barriers can further exacerbate health disparities. Understanding the factors that facilitate or hinder patient-clinician communication is essential for developing targeted interventions that improve health care delivery.

Purpose: This review explores the existing literature on patient-clinician communication concerning cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Appalachian Region with the aim to understand existing gaps and interventions.

Methods: PubMed and Web of Science databases were utilized to conduct a systematic search. The Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework guided the inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on Appalachian residents and CVD. The selected studies were assessed based on predefined criteria, leading to the inclusion of eight relevant articles. Data analysis was conducted to identify themes and interventions related to patient-clinician communication in the context of CVD.

Results: This review examined interventions emphasizing electronic health records (EHRs), patient engagement, clinician availability, and contextual factors affecting communication. While EHR-based initiatives showed promise in closing preventive care gaps, challenges persisted in addressing patient perspectives and fostering interprofessional collaboration.

Implications: Addressing communication barriers requires tailored strategies that consider patient engagement, clinician availability, and contextual factors, particularly in underserved regions such as Appalachia. Future efforts should prioritize interprofessional collaboration and patient-centered care to enhance equitable cardiovascular health outcomes among diverse populations, including those facing geographic and socioeconomic challenges in Appalachia.