Improving communication between patients and providers using health information technology and other quality improvement strategies: focus on Asian Americans.

Disparities in provider-patient communication have been shown to exist among Asian Americans, especially those who are low-income and have limited English proficiency. These disparities have resulted in unmet health care needs and poor quality care. To identify strategies for improving provider-patient communication in this population, we conducted a systematic review of the literature and in-depth interviews with key informants. Little published literature on interventions focused on Asian Americans was found. Most interventions were conducted among White populations and occurred in the waiting room before patients' visits with their providers. Interventions ranged from a leaflet encouraging patients to ask more questions, to more intensive face-to-face coaching before office visits. Health information technology (health IT) has not been widely used to improve communication, especially among patients with limited English proficiency. More research is needed using new health IT strategies to improve care for Asian Americans and other vulnerable populations.