Experience and knowledge in Lyme Disease: A scoping review of patient-provider communication
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Purpose: Limited research exists on the patient-provider communication dynamic with respect to Lyme disease (LD). There is evidence that being informed, on the part of both patient and provider, enhances communication, resulting in better patient satisfaction and higher quality health outcomes. The purpose of this review was to summarize and disseminate current research findings on both patient and provider knowledge and experiences in clinical settings with respect to LD. This included assessing where providers obtain information, where patients obtain information, and if that information is clearly understood and translated between the two groups. Methods: I conducted a scoping literature review by searching electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO for articles published between January 2000 and September 2018. Results: From a total of 1,960 unique studies, 23 met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. From these 23 articles, I found pertinent concepts, themes, and gaps within five key topic areas related to patient-provider communication: provider knowledge and beliefs, patient knowledge and beliefs, provider experience, patient experience, and patient-provider relationship or interaction. No study specifically addressed the patient-provider communication dynamic with respect to LD. Conclusion: I found critical research gaps regarding where patients and providers obtain information on LD and how that information is being translated between these two groups. Future research should assess practice patterns of nurse practitioners and physicians assistants; educational tools providers can use in dialogue with patients; point of care interventions; and shared decision making strategies providers can utilize in communication with LD patients.