Related Experiment Videos
Frames and heuristics in doctor-patient discourse
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Physicians can better understand patient illness perceptions by analyzing the conceptual structures underlying their understanding. This study uses linguistics and cognitive psychology to explore patient-physician discourse and improve medical communication.
Area of Science:
- Medical Communication
- Cognitive Psychology
- Linguistics
Background:
- The medical interview is a problem-solving discourse between patient and physician.
- Linguistics and cognitive psychology offer valuable insights into this interaction.
- Understanding patient conceptual structures is crucial for effective medical education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore patient understanding of illness through discourse analysis.
- To present a method for uncovering patient conceptual structures.
- To enhance physician's ability to teach and communicate effectively.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of taped medical interview sessions.
- Application of 'frames' and 'heuristics' concepts from cognitive psychology and linguistics.
- Examination of discourse between a family practice physician and sixteen patients.
Main Results:
- Identified patient conceptual structures influencing illness perception.
- Demonstrated how these structures function within the medical interview.
- Provided a framework for physicians to understand patient perspectives.
Conclusions:
- Physicians need to understand patients' conceptual frameworks for effective care.
- Discourse analysis using cognitive and linguistic concepts can reveal these frameworks.
- The presented method aids in uncovering and addressing patient's understanding of their illness.