'End of life' conversations, appreciation sequences, and the interaction order in cancer clinics.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To address the organization of conversations in oncology visits by taking an "interaction order" perspective and asking how these visits are intrinsically organized.

Methods

Conversation analysis.

Results

Using audio recordings of talk in oncology visits involving patients with non-small cell lung cancer, we identify and analyze an "appreciation sequence" that is designed to elicit patients' understanding and positive assessment of treatments in terms of their prolongation of life.

Conclusion

An "appreciation sequence," regularly initiated after the delivery of scan results and/or treatment recommendations, simultaneously reminds patients of their mortality while suggesting that the treatment received has prolonged their lives, and in some cases signi

SUBMITTER: Maynard DW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6555150 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature