Frames of Reference

Abstract

Unforeseen obstacles and inefficiencies may arise when medical organizations seek to implement protocols that rely upon cooperation and coordination by clinical practitioners from multiple disciplines, departments, and professional orientations. In this reflection, we discuss some ways in which sociological concepts may be useful in forestalling and mitigating such obstacles and inefficiencies in clinical settings. Echoing recent decisions by professional organizations like the American Medical Association, we use the concept of “framing” to suggest how interdisciplinary medical protocols and policy formulations may benefit greatly from sociological lessons and demonstrate some ways by which the incorporation of sociological insights can facilitate greater communication between varied disciplines and departments seeking shared outcomes. In conclusion, we provide some concrete ways by which interdisciplinary medical programs may benefit from sociological concepts and practices.