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Updated: May 30, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Recognition can leave room for disagreement in the doctor-patient consultation
Sissel Steihaug1, Pål Gulbrandsen, Anne Werner
1HØKH Research Centre, Akershus University Hospital, Norway. sissel@steihaug.net
Objective:
We wanted to explore how recognising interaction, as described by psychologist Schibbye, is played out in a patient doctor encounter including the behaviour of both parties and their simultaneous communication.
Methods:
We selected videotapes from five doctor-patient encounters where a recognising attitude was identified. The episodes were analysed using a qualitative method for studying interaction and relationship at the micro-level. We describe an episode which is suitable for demonstrating how a recognizing attitude can leave room for disagreement.
Results:
The doctor's recognising attitude with a basic respect for the other person's experience perspective has a crucial effect on the doctor-patient relationship. In this consultation, the doctor succeeds in taking the patient's experience perspective by listening, wondering and exploring to check that he has interpreted the patient correctly. A potential conflict situation arises, but there is no conflict. When the relationship is characterised by recognition, disagreement is allowed, without doing any damage.
Conclusion:
Schibbye's ideas and terms can provide new perspectives on the doctor-patient interaction.
Practice Implications:
For the doctor, a fundamental respect for the patient's perspective may make it easier to tolerate when patients have values and preferences that conflict with the doctor or with sound medical practice.
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