Discourse analysis is the analysis of verbal and non-verbal communication used in conversations between individuals or groups. It is the semantic analysis of conversation, which in addition to understanding the context of the social interaction, allows insight into the participant’s perspective, thoughts and behaviours.
The paper I have chosen looks at the discourse analysis of patients with back pain perspectives of seeking help from pain clinics. The study was carried out to allow clinicians to understand the suffering of chronic back pain, and to gain insight of why patients often have negative attitudes about pain management.
- The study taught me patients sometimes view a clinician as a cynical member of authority, especially when they suffer from chronic pain. Thus, feel powerless and abandoned if they feel a clinician has judged them or has certain perceptions of them, even if this is not true. Therefore, it is vital that clinicians always communicate maximum empathy and understanding, as many of these patients were left hopeless to the point where they were severely depressed.
- Clinicians should also not forget that patients seeking help from them often travel far and wait long for the consultation. In many cases it is the patient’s only chance of some help, whether, this is a cure, treatment or hope. Therefore, seeking help from a clinic should always be a positive experience.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304395998002541
