Relationships between Key Functions of Patient-Provider Communication, Trust, and Motivation across White, African American, and Hispanic/Latino Patients with Asthma

Patient-provider communication is essential for providing effective care for asthma patients. However, little is known about key functions of communication and their relationships with outcomes in asthma patients across racial/ethnic groups. This study assessed asthma patients' perceptions of key functions of patient-provider communication, and examined associations between key functions, trust, and motivation across racial/ethnic groups. In this study, a sample of 470 US adults responded to an assessment of patient-provider communication, trust, and motivation through an electronically administered survey. Key functions of patient-provider communication included: exchanging information, responding to emotions, making decisions, enabling self-management, managing uncertainty, and fostering relationships. Results showed no differences in the mean scores of key functions of communication across racial/ethnic groups. The key function fostering relationships was positively associated with trust and motivation in both Whites and African Americans. However, the key function making decisions was associated with trust, and the key function managing uncertainty was associated with motivation only for Hispanic/Latinos. Results suggest different cultures may place different values on key functions of communication which may engender trust and motivation. Practical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.