Black Men's Patient-Clinician Experiences: Pathways to Enhanced Healthcare Outcomes in the United States

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The persistent health disparities affecting Black men in the US healthcare system reflect systemic inequities that impact their health outcomes. This qualitative study employs thematic analysis to examine how Black men's interactions with medical providers shape their healthcare experiences and to identify key factors influencing their quality of care. Methods: Through in-depth interviews with 25 Black men throughout the United States, our thematic analysis identified patterns in their reported healthcare experiences. Results: Our analysis revealed four main themes: (1) inadequate clinician communication and information, (2) clinician dismissiveness and failure to listen, (3) experiences of interpersonal racial bias in healthcare interactions, and (4) facilitators of positive, patient-centered healthcare encounters. Black men's narratives illuminate how communication barriers, dismissive treatment, and racial bias manifest in healthcare settings, while also highlighting elements that facilitate successful patient-clinician relationships. Conclusions: The findings suggest specific approaches for improving these interactions, including clinician active listening and bias training, anti-racism medical education, accountability policies, increased clinician diversity, and patient self-advocacy strategies to address systemic factors affecting Black men's healthcare experiences and outcomes.

Keywords: Black men; health equity; healthcare experiences; patient–clinician relationships.