Race and Blackness: A Thematic Review of Communication Challenges Confronting the Black Community Within the U.S. Health Care System

Abstract

Effective communication is integral to the patient-provider relationship. Yet, as a result of structural factors that ignore the unique health care needs of different populations of patients who identify as Black-both African American and African immigrants-are confronted with communication challenges during health care seeking encounters. Using cultural safety as a framework, in this article, we thematically review communication challenges specifically experienced by patients of African descent in the U.S. health care system. In our review, we focus on complications that might arise from discrimination, mistrust, health literacy, and impacts of culture and language barriers on health literacy. In conclusion, we offer recommendations for improving the health care experiences and potential health outcomes for this population, through nursing care and health care delivery.

Keywords: African Americans; African immigrants; Black community; communication; cultural safety.