Qualitative methods can test and challenge what we think we know about clinical communication – if they are not too constrained by methodological ‘brands’

Because clinical communication is the vehicle for health care,the rigour of the scientific discipline that studies and shapes it is crucial for the quality of health care in the future. Claims to rigour in clinical communication science have tended to rest on quantitative methods. For instance, findings that surgeons miss 62% of ‘empathic opportunities’ are embedded in the discipline as evidence that doctors’ communication with patients is too doctor-centred [1]. However, quantifying clinical communication provides less certainty than is sometimes appreciated.

Source: Patient Education and Counseling - July 21, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Peter Salmon, Bridget Young Tags: Editorial Source Type: research