Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0510-1024-0613-0920

Defense Date

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Lana Sargent

Abstract

Patient engagement is integral to chronic disease management. The empirical evidence surrounding patient engagement has focused on barriers to engagement and improving healthcare outcomes. In recent years, research has shifted to incorporate the patient's experience as they access health care in the United States. With this shift, the concepts of language and cultural discordance emerged. The literature suggests that language and culture influence engagement behaviors. However, the extent of influence on engagement behaviors is unknown, particularly from the patient’s perspective. The knowledge gap in understanding the patient’s perspective and the growing evidence of cultural influences on engagement behaviors led to this dissertation study. This study aims to better understand patient engagement in the context of cultural discordance.

Method: A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological design explored the lived experience of patient engagement and cultural discordance from the patient’s perspective. Participants were recruited from various community organizations in the Virginia area. Semi-structured interviews explored the lived experience of patient engagement and cultural discordance.

Sample: A purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit and enroll eight Spanish-speaking adults.

Findings: Participants assumed ownership of their health and described key patient engagement behaviors necessary in chronic disease management. However, language and cultural discordance prevented health management and influenced patient engagement behaviors, mainly when personal and cultural values were unaligned.

Rights

© Kenya Fluellen

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

6-22-2024

Available for download on Saturday, July 21, 2029

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