Initiating decision-making in neurology consultations 'recommending' versus 'option-listing' and the implications for medical authority

Toerien, M., Shaw, R. and Reuber, M. (2013) Initiating decision-making in neurology consultations 'recommending' versus 'option-listing' and the implications for medical authority. Sociology of Health and Illness, 35(6), pp. 873-890. (doi: 10.1111/1467-9566.12000)

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Abstract

This article compares two practices for initiating treatment decision-making, evident in audio-recorded consultations between a neurologist and 13 patients in two hospital clinics in the UK. We call these ‘recommending’ and ‘option-listing’. The former entails making a proposal to do something; the latter entails the construction of a list of options. Using conversation analysis (CA), we illustrate each, showing that the distinction between these two practices matters to participants. Our analysis centres on two distinctions between the practices: epistemic differences and differences in the slots each creates for the patient’s response. Considering the implications of our findings for understanding medical authority, we argue that option-listing – relative to recommending – is a practice whereby clinicians work to relinquish a little of their authority. This article contributes, then, to a growing body of CA work that offers a more nuanced, tempered account of medical authority than is typically portrayed in the sociological literature. We argue that future CA studies should map out the range of ways – in addition to recommending – in which treatment decision-making is initiated by clinicians. This will allow for further evidence-based contributions to debates on the related concepts of patient participation, choice, shared decision-making and medical authority.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Shaw, Dr Rebecca
Authors: Toerien, M., Shaw, R., and Reuber, M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment
Journal Name:Sociology of Health and Illness
Publisher:Blackwell
ISSN:0141-9889
ISSN (Online):1467-9566

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