Conversational analysis of medical discourse in rehabilitation: A study in Korea

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2013 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772312Y.0000000051 · Published: January 1, 2013

Patient Experience Rehabilitation Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how doctors and patients communicate in rehabilitation settings in Korea. It examines both verbal and nonverbal communication, such as eye contact. The researchers analyzed videotaped conversations between doctors and patients to see how often doctors showed empathy and how actively patients participated in the conversation. The study found that Korean doctors often lacked empathy in their communication, which may have made patients less likely to actively participate. Doctors also interrupted patients more often than they showed patient-centered behaviors.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

16 videotaped physician–patient interactions in a rehabilitation center in Korea

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Physicians demonstrated interruptive behaviors more often than patient-centered behaviors.
2
Patients used active communicative behaviors in only one-tenth of their total talks.
3
Eye-contact showed a strong and significant correlation with empathic listening and supportive talks.

Research Summary

This study analyzes physician-patient communication in Korean rehabilitation settings, revealing a lack of empathic communication from physicians and passive communicative behaviors from patients. The research highlights that Korean physicians interrupt patients more often than demonstrating patient-centered behaviors, which could stem from the hierarchical doctor-patient relationship influenced by Confucianism. The study also reveals that physician's eye-contact is significantly correlated with empathic listening and supportive talks, suggesting a potential link between nonverbal cues and communication effectiveness.

Practical Implications

Empathy Training Programs

Medical educators should consider developing empathy training programs to improve physicians’ communication skills.

Emphasis on Patient-Centered Behaviors

Medical educators should emphasize patient-centered behaviors in their teaching to facilitate active patient participation.

Improve Doctor-Patient Partnership

Physicians should work to build better partnerships with patients, encouraging them to express their feelings, concerns, opinions and questions.