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The Patient–Physician Clinical Encounter

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Diversity and Inclusion in Quality Patient Care

Abstract

Certain barriers can impede opportunities to learn what matters to people and to achieve a successful clinical encounter. A multicultural physician and patient population present a dual and sometimes formidable barrier when providing appropriate and equal health care access. There is extensive study of individual and systemic barriers to positive encounters, and thus the health-care system is evolving and slowly becoming more aware of necessary ingredients for achieving successful health outcomes. We are improving, but have a long way ahead. This chapter focuses on the patient–physician encounter, factors determining its success or failure, effects on treatment decisions and health-care outcomes, and steps to develop it to an expected standard in health care. While dedicated to physicians, the information shared in this chapter is applicable to all health care professionals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Emergency Department, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA

    Thea James M.D.

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  1. Thea James M.D.
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Correspondence to Thea James M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Professor of Emergency Medicine University of Virginia School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine, Vice President and Chief Officer for Diversity and Equity, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

    Marcus L. Martin

  2. Assistant Dean Clinical Education & Student Affairs Emory University School of Medicine, Professor of Emergency Medicine Vice Chair – Administrative Affairs, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    Sheryl L. Heron

  3. Director of Diversity Department of Medicine Section of Emergency Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans, Professor of Emergency Medicine Director of Research, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

    Lisa Moreno-Walton

  4. University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

    Anna Walker Jones

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James, T. (2016). The Patient–Physician Clinical Encounter. In: Martin, M., Heron, S., Moreno-Walton, L., Jones, A. (eds) Diversity and Inclusion in Quality Patient Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22840-2_7

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