The Keyword Effect: A Grounded Theory Study Exploring the Role of Keywords in Clinical Communication.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Keywords, also known as "buzzwords" or "trigger words," serve as memorable descriptors to associate physical findings with specific diagnoses. These terms, such as "target lesion" and "steeple sign," liken a physical or radiographic finding to a nonmedical comparator as a means to elicit an associated diagnosis. Keywords permeate medical literature and clinical conversations. However, the potential for miscommunicating critical information exists and the impact of keywords on communication-related medical error is unknown. We explored the use of keywords and how physicians perceive their use in their clinical communication as part of patient care.

Methods

With a grounded theory approach, semistructured interviews were completed in 2016 to 2017 with a purposive sam

SUBMITTER: Chan MW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7592822 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature