The Dynamics of Patient-Physician Interactions and Their Impact on Health Disparities in Cancer Care Among Marginalized Populations: A Comprehensive Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Health disparities in cancer care pose significant challenges. These disparities arise from a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors, discrimination, and inadequate healthcare access, leading to suboptimal clinical outcomes. This review aims to synthesize existing literature on patient-physician interaction among diverse patient identities in cancer care, emphasizing the impact of these dynamics on treatment experiences.

Methods: A comprehensive scoping review was conducted using major academic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCO Discovery. The focus was on studies addressing disparities in cancer care related to race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation gender identity (SOGI), and disabilities. A total of 37 publications were included in the analysis, highlighting the nuances of the patient-physician rapport across various marginalized groups.

Results: The findings underscore that racially and ethnically minoritized patients often experience communication barriers, reduced access to timely and aggressive treatment, and diminished trust in healthcare providers. Additionally, elderly patients and individuals with disabilities exhibited similar challenges in engaging with healthcare providers, further exacerbating health inequities.

Conclusion: This review highlights the urgent need for improved patient-physician communication strategies that are culturally and contextually sensitive to enhance the quality of cancer care for marginalized populations. Interventions aimed at fostering trust and encouraging patient engagement are essential in mitigating health disparities. Future research should focus on multi-perspective assessments of the patient-physician relationship to inform equitable healthcare practices.