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Presenting the problem in pediatric encounters: "symptoms only" versus "candidate diagnosis" presentations
1Department of Pediatrics-General Pediatrics, University of California at Los Angeles, 90095-1752, USA. tstivers@ucla.edu
Health Communication
|August 21, 2002
Summary
Parents presenting only symptoms seek medical evaluation, while those offering a "candidate diagnosis" may pressure pediatricians for specific treatments, like antibiotics. This impacts acute care communication.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Communication
- Conversation Analysis
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Pediatric acute care encounters involve complex communication between parents and physicians.
- The way parents present a child's problem can influence the physician's approach and potential treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze two distinct methods parents use to present children's health issues to pediatricians.
- To examine the implications of these presentation styles on physician-patient communication and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing conversation analysis to examine transcripts of pediatric acute care encounters.
- Identifying and comparing problem presentations categorized as "symptoms only" versus those including a "candidate diagnosis".
Main Results:
- Parents presenting "symptoms only" are perceived as seeking medical evaluation.
- Parents including a "candidate diagnosis" are perceived as seeking confirmation and specific treatment, potentially leading to pressure for antibiotic prescriptions.
Conclusions:
- Parental communication strategies in pediatric acute care significantly shape physician perception and interaction.
- The inclusion of a "candidate diagnosis" may inadvertently create pressure for specific treatments, impacting clinical decision-making and antibiotic stewardship.