Enhancing patient-physician communication: a community and culturally based approach.

<bold>Background: </bold>African American women are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages of breast cancer. <bold>Methods: </bold>A total of 15 residents participated in a program to increase their self-efficacy in communication skills relevant to understanding and responding to African American cultural issues associated with mammography screening. <bold>Results: </bold>Physicians reported increasing confidence in their ability to elicit barriers to mammography; assess cultural beliefs and norms; assess perceived health benefits and emotional adjustment; engage in emotional talk; motivate; and negotiate and build partnerships with patients. <bold>Conclusions: </bold>A brief program can increase physician communication skills to meet the needs of a diverse population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]