A Multi-Modality Conversation Analysis of Post Expansions Among Physicians in Ambulance: A Qualitative Descriptive...

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Communication Studies
• Healthcare Interaction Analysis

Background:

• Ambulance communication is critical for patient outcomes and operational efficiency in emergency medical services.
• Limited research exists on communication challenges faced by physicians in the ambulance setting.
• Effective physician-patient communication in ambulances is vital for optimal patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively explore the sequence organization of physician-patient communication in ambulances using conversation analysis.
• To identify communication challenges and interaction patterns specific to the ambulance environment.
• To improve clinical education and healthcare practices related to emergency medical communication.

Main Methods:

• Multi-modal conversation analysis was applied to 10 video recordings from ambulances in China.
• Data included interactions involving 12 physicians, 10 patients, and 8 companions.
• Video transcripts were created using the Jefferson Transcription System.

Main Results:

• Physicians exhibit varied responses to patient dispreferred responses in ambulance interactions.
• A recurring pattern of request-dispreferred response-post expansion sequence was observed.
• Three distinct hand gestures (holding, grabbing, lifting hands) were identified as effective post-expansions for coordination.

Conclusions:

• Physicians strategically use interactional space and non-verbal cues to manage communication with patients and companions in ambulances.
• Analysis of interaction dilemmas provides insights into physicians' non-verbal behavior.
• Findings offer a new perspective to prevent miscommunication and ensure effective communication in medical emergencies.