A Critical Analysis of the Discourse of Doctor-Patient Interaction: A Case Study

Mosisa Asegid Takele

doi:10.24113/ijellh.v8i10.10809

Abstract

The study undertook a critical analysis of the discourse of doctor-patient interaction under the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) clinic of Gondar Hospital, which is found in the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia. Specifically, the study investigated the recurrent interactional features in the doctor-patient interactions, the manifestations of power relations through language use, as well as the ideological assumptions which are held by doctors and patients. To achieve these objectives, qualitative methods were used during data collection and analysis. Purposeful sampling was used to select the clinic where the study took place. Data were gathered through audio-recording and field notes. Before analysis, the audio recordings were transcribed using Jeffersonian Transcription conventions and then translated into English. The translated data were analyzed thoroughly using Fairclough’s (1992) three-dimensional model of Critical Discourse Analysis. The study, thus, showed that interpersonal relationships between discourse interactants could be an indicative of their social and power relations. Therefore, institutional discourse, specially, that of doctor-patient, could be a place for power struggle.

Highlights

Background of the Study Good health is a priceless asset to human beings; and the prominent role that communication plays has pushed effective medical interaction to a new level of importance
Fairclough (1992. p. 143) suggested, “The main arena for medical interaction can be most comprehensively viewed in terms of the doctor-patient relationship.”
Even though the abovementioned and other renowned scholars suggested that the interaction between doctors and patients in the health care setting is the main ingredient for therapeutic results, many researches are still showing that there is a problem regarding the interaction between doctors and patients

Summary

Introduction

Background of the StudyGood health is a priceless asset to human beings; and the prominent role that communication plays has pushed effective medical interaction to a new level of importance. In this regard, Fairclough (1989) uses the term discourse to refer to the whole process of social interaction. The main focus of this study is to critically analyze the discourse of doctor-patient interaction.

Results

Conclusion