Barriers to effective communication between veterans with XXXX and their healthcare providers.

@entity1 @entity1009 @entity740 @entity454
BACKGROUND: Many @entity1 with @entity740 ( @entity740 ) have insufficient knowledge about @entity740 , which is associated with poorer health outcomes. Effective @entity1 -provider communication can improve @entity740 @entity1 ' knowledge, thereby augmenting their participation in self-care practices. However, barriers to addressing @entity740 @entity1 ' information needs have not been previously characterized. METHODS: Adults with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/ @entity1009 .73 m(2) or on chronic dialysis or with a kidney transplant were recruited from a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nephrology clinic. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to assess @entity1 ' @entity740 information needs and demographic characteristics. A qualitative approach was used to analyze interview transcripts and identify themes pertaining to communication dynamics. RESULTS: Thirty-two @entity1 participated. The mean age of @entity1 was 63 years; most were male (94%) and non-Hispanic white (53%). @entity740 severity groups represented included @entity740 -3 (eGFR 30-59 mL/ @entity1009 .73 m(2); 34%), @entity740 -4 (eGFR 15-29 mL/ @entity1009 .73 m(2); 25%), @entity740 -5 (eGFR <15 mL/ @entity1009 .73 m(2); 16%), @entity454 on dialysis (13%) and kidney transplant recipients (12%). Several key themes emerged about barriers to @entity1 -provider communication based on @entity1 ' reported care at both VA and non-VA facilities, including @entity1 perceived their role as a 'listener', reported limited @entity740 knowledge, did not understand physicians' explanations and were dissatisfied with the @entity1 -provider relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Several barriers to @entity1 -provider communication prevent @entity1 from meeting their information needs and perpetuate @entity1 passivity. Future research should evaluate whether interventions that empower @entity740 @entity1 to actively participate in their care increase knowledge and improve health outcomes.
