Gestures convey content: an exploration of the semantic functions of physicians' gestures

Gestures' semiotic role in clinical interactions is unexplored. Using theoretical underpinnings from basic research on gesture, our objective was to investigate the semantic contributions of physicians' gestures during interactions with patients with a different native language.

We analyzed gestures-speech composites in eight videotaped interactions between physicians and patients during treatment plan discussions. Using microanalysis of face-to-face dialogue and conversation analysis, we identified physicians' gestures, decided whether they served semantic functions, and explored their relationship with the accompanying speech.

Using the operational definitions developed here resulted in high reliability. Physicians gestured at a mean rate of 6.5 gestures per 100 words. Approximately half of the gestures served semantic functions, with referents that were concrete (e.g., actions, body parts) and abstract (e.g., regularity, timelines). Gestures conveyed topic information, but speech conveyed information about that topic and context for interpreting gestures' meaning.

Analyzing the semantic functions of gestures in clinical interactions is feasible. Physicians' gestures and speech formed integrated messages; the two modalities conveyed mutually dependent meanings.

Physicians could become aware of the semiotic potential of gestures. However, conversational gestures lack conventional meanings and rely on the accompanying speech to provide necessary context for interpreting their meaning.