Area of Science:

• Healthcare Communication
• Linguistics in Medicine
• Patient Education

Background:

• Effective caregiver-patient communication is crucial for quality healthcare, particularly in therapeutic patient education (TPE).
• Understanding the nuances of language used by nursing staff is essential for optimizing patient interactions.
• Gestational diabetes management requires clear and supportive communication to ensure patient adherence and positive outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the linguistic strategies employed by nursing staff during interactions with patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
• To identify patterns in caregiver language that may impact patient understanding and participation.
• To evaluate the alignment of current communication practices with the principles of TPE.

Main Methods:

• Semantic and pragmatic analysis of transcribed nursing staff-patient appointments.
• Application of text mining techniques to identify key linguistic features.
• Qualitative analysis of speech patterns, including phatic expressions, softeners, metaphors, rhetorical questions, and examples.

Main Results:

• Nursing staff frequently use phatic expressions, softeners, and words related to control, permission, and obligation.
• Patient participation in conversations during appointments is notably limited.
• A paternalistic communication model persists, potentially hindering the goals of TPE.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals specific language practices of nursing staff that warrant attention.
• Findings underscore the prevalence of a paternalistic approach in medical settings, contrasting with TPE objectives.
• The research suggests a need for targeted training to enhance caregiver communication skills and promote patient-centered care.