Diagnostic interaction: the patient as a source of knowledge?
OBJECTIVE
To explore diagnostic interaction to understand more about why some problems appear medically unexplained.


METHODS
A qualitative discourse analysis case study.


METHODS
Encounters between women patients and general practitioners in primary healthcare.


METHODS
Microanalysis of two audiotaped consultations without a clear-cut diagnosis and opposing levels of mutuality between doctor and patient.


METHODS
Descriptions of linguistic patterns in diagnostic interaction.


RESULTS
Two patterns were identified demonstrating how different ways of speech acts contribute or obstruct diagnostic interaction and common ground for understanding. To invite or reject the patient into/from the diagnostic process, and to recognize or stereotype the patient may impose on how illness stories are perceived as medically unexplained.


CONCLUSIONS
Making sense of illness can be enhanced by inviting and recognizing the patient's story.
Undeland
Merete
M
Department of Neurology, Buskerud Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway. merete.undeland@sb-hf.no
Malterud
Kirsti
K
D002908:Chronic Disease; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D003933:Diagnosis; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D016387:Women's Health