Communication ETDs

Wendy L. Hine

Publication Date

5-1-2013

Abstract

Interactions between early-stage breast cancer patients and their medical providers were analyzed, focusing on the content of the medical encounter and the patients' subsequent recall of that information. Traditional biomedical interviewing, narrative medicine approaches, and emerging types of dialogue were coded within these encounters. Observations of patient-provider interactions, structured and semi-structured patient interviews, and document analysis enriched this investigation. No "pure type" of patient-provider interaction was found. In order to relate the complex information about diagnoses and treatment options to women with breast cancer, narrative interactions included considerable biomedical information. Similarly, biomedical interactions often included narrative elements. A continuum was created and eight different types of dialogues were defined, as well as three other elements. A narrative approach was associated with improved patient recall when compared to more biomedical approach. This study suggests that narrative medicine may increase patient recall regarding diagnoses, treatment options, and actions.

Language

English

Keywords

narrative, traditional, medical, interpretation, women, breast, cancer

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Communication

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Communication and Journalism

First Committee Member (Chair)

Lutgen-Sandvik, Pamela

Second Committee Member

McIntosh White, Judith

Third Committee Member

Kennedy, Kathleen

Fourth Committee Member

Shields, Julie

Fifth Committee Member

Ramirez de Arellano, Adriana

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