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UKnowledge > College of Public Health > Journal of Appalachian Health > Vol. 7 (2025) > Iss. 1

 

Corresponding Author

Kawther Al Ksir.

Kawtherksir1@gmail.com

Author Affiliations

  1. Kawther Al Ksir, MHS, RN: Doctoral Student, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University (Johnson City TN); E-mail: kawtherksir1@gmail.com
  2. Chidiebube Jeremiah Ugwu, MD: Masters Student, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University
  3. Hadii Mamudu, PhD, MPA: Professor, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University
  4. Emily Flores, PharmD, BCPS: Associate Professor, Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University
  5. Tracy Fasolino, PhD, FNP-BC, ACHPN: Professor, School of Nursing, Clemson University (Clemson SC)
  6. Holly Wei, PhD., RN, CPN, NEA-BC, FAAN: Professor, School of Nursing, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing (Lubbock TX)
  7. Rick Wallace, MA, MDiv, MAOM, MSLS, MPH, EdD, AHIP : Professor, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University
  8. Florence Weierbach, PhD, MPH, RN: Associate Professor, College of Nursing, East Tennessee State University

Author Area of Expertise

Al Ksir Kawther: Nursing, chronic disease

Florence Weierbach, Appalachia and rural communities, public/community health nursing, community resources, team based care

Emily Flores, Pharmacy, community based pharmacy, team based care

Tracy Fasolino, Palliative team based care, chronic health conditions

Holly Wei, Nursing leadership

Rick Wallace, Academic Librarian

Hadii Mamudu, Health Policy, Cardiovascular risk reduction, tobacco use

Abstract

Introduction: Effective communication between patients and clinicians is a critical component of quality health care, influencing disease prevention, management, and outcomes. In regions with unique socioeconomic and geographic challenges, communication barriers can further exacerbate health disparities. Understanding the factors that facilitate or hinder patient-clinician communication is essential for developing targeted interventions that improve health care delivery.

Purpose: This review explores the existing literature on patient-clinician communication concerning cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Appalachian Region with the aim to understand existing gaps and interventions.

Methods: PubMed and Web of Science databases were utilized to conduct a systematic search. The Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework guided the inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on Appalachian residents and CVD. The selected studies were assessed based on predefined criteria, leading to the inclusion of eight relevant articles. Data analysis was conducted to identify themes and interventions related to patient-clinician communication in the context of CVD.

Results: This review examined interventions emphasizing electronic health records (EHRs), patient engagement, clinician availability, and contextual factors affecting communication. While EHR-based initiatives showed promise in closing preventive care gaps, challenges persisted in addressing patient perspectives and fostering interprofessional collaboration.

Implications: Addressing communication barriers requires tailored strategies that consider patient engagement, clinician availability, and contextual factors, particularly in underserved regions such as Appalachia. Future efforts should prioritize interprofessional collaboration and patient-centered care to enhance equitable cardiovascular health outcomes among diverse populations, including those facing geographic and socioeconomic challenges in Appalachia.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.13023/jah. 0701.06

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Al Ksir K, Ugwu CJ, Mamudu H, Flores EK, Fasolino T, Wei H, Wallace R, Weierbach FM. Patient-clinician communication in the Appalachian Region: a scoping review. J Appalach Health 2025;7(1):99-118. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0701.06

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