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Enhancing Patient-Provider Communication to Overcome Racial Bias and Medical Mistrust in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Survivorship. Psychooncology 2025 Jul;34(7):e70219

Date

07/04/2025

Pubmed ID

40611374

DOI

10.1002/pon.70219

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-105009606345 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Racially insensitive cancer care contributes to medical distrust, poor health outcomes, limited access, and low adherence to follow-up. Racially responsive care extends beyond treating physical symptoms. It requires an understanding of the cultural influences on the values, attitudes, and behaviors of patients and their families.

METHODS: Here, we report a case of a 61-year-old Black woman who underwent an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant for myelodysplastic syndromes and felt her ongoing concerns related to survivorship were dismissed by the medical team. The psycho-oncology service intervened by organizing a multidisciplinary family meeting.

RESULTS: The meeting included healthcare providers from multiple disciplines and the patient's family members. It aimed to increase family engagement and foster shared decision-making. The patient reported feeling affirmed and heard, which improved her trust in the care team and her engagement in follow-up care.

DISCUSSION: This case underscores the importance of culturally sensitive, racially responsive care in oncology. Multidisciplinary interventions can play a critical role in rebuilding trust and improving outcomes for racially marginalized patients.

Author List

Wallace LJ, Fraire A, McKinney E, Kersting K, Goertz M

Authors

Amy Fraire PhD, MA Assistant Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Mackenzie T. Goertz PhD Assistant Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Lyndsey Wallace PsyD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Cancer Survivors
Communication
Female
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Humans
Middle Aged
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Physician-Patient Relations
Racism
Survivorship
Trust