Project

Enhancing patient-centeredness in the medical consultation through argumentation theory and the ICF. A qualitative study in the field of chronic pain.

This project aims to design and test the impact of a communication intervention to enhance patient-centeredness in the medical consultation. The communication intervention involves two steps.

Firstly, it involves the development and pilot test of an educational course in communication for the health professionals, based on the principles of argumentation theory. So far, argumentation theory (van Eemeren, Grootendorst 2004) has never been used for the training of health professionals. This project moves from the assumption that, on the one hand, argumentation can provide the appropriate communication background for doctors 1) to clearly present their advice addressing the issues relevant for the patient and 2) to solve implicit or explicit differences of opinion. On the other hand, argumentation can enhance the patients’ understanding of the doctors’ advice and the reasons why they support a certain course of therapeutic action.  

Secondly, the intervention involves the development and pilot test of a communication tool  to prepare the patient for the medical consultation. The instrument will be shaped on the model of human functioning proposed by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, WHO 2001), on the assumption that the ICF helps translate between the two potentially distinct discourses of the doctor and the patient, thus enhancing understanding and sharing between them.

The main research questions of the project are:

1.    To what extent does argumentation theory provide the appropriate communication background for doctors to explain their point of view and contribute to patient’s empowerment (i.e. participation and understanding) and health literacy?

2.    To what extent does the ICF provide a common vocabulary to describe and match respectively the doctor’s and the patient’s perspectives?

3.    To what extent do the joined use of the ICF and argumentation skills offer the basis for negotiation and conflict resolution in case of a difference of opinion between doctor and patient?