Collaborative vs Paternalistic Communication About Nonadherence in Diabetes Care: Implications for Racial Health Equity

We want to make healthcare better for people living with diabetes by learning about the best ways doctors can talk to patients who struggle to take medications. We have 382 audio recordings of doctors talking to patients who have diabetes. We will analyze these conversations to find examples of good and bad communication. We will look at whether doctors communicate worse with Black compared to White patients. We will also look at which specific things doctors can say or do to help patients feel comfortable talking with their doctor. Finally, we will look at which specific things doctors can say or do to help patients take their medications and manage their diabetes. Black Americans have more diabetes and worse health outcomes. Medications can help people with diabetes be healthier, but many people struggle to take medications regularly. Good communication with doctors can help patients talk about problems with their medications, but many doctors may not know how to do this well. Doctors need better guidance on how to collaborate with patients to make sure all patients with diabetes receive the same high quality of care. My goal is to become a researcher who improves communication for people with diabetes and other chronic illnesses and works to make sure everyone gets the best care. This pilot study will provide me with research experience and mentorship in this area. This study will also provide data to help me get a larger grant to continue this work.