Analyzing Power Imbalance in Doctor- Patient Interaction Applying a Qualitative Study

The current study undertook the critical analysis of the intricate dynamics of doctor-patient discourse with the main focus on power imbalance and dominance. Communication plays a significant role in the medical examination process and effective communication between doctor- patient leads to better medical outcomes which in turn can be shaped by power imbalance in doctor-patient interaction. This research aims to investigate the recurrent linguistic features in the interaction between doctor and patient to manifest the power imbalance and dominance within these interactions. In order to conduct the research, data were gathered through the use of audio recording and field notes. Before collecting data prior permission was taken from participants. In clinical setting audio-recordings were made (verbal data) and field notes were taken simultaneously to capture non- verbal cues and contextual information. The audio recordings were transcribed into written texts and when necessary, they were translated into English to facilitate analysis. The transcriptions and translated data were organized based on chronological sequence prepared for critical analysis. Under meticulous examination critical discourse analysis was applied utilizing Fairclough's ۳D model as a framework of analysis which consists of three dimensions: text, discursive practice and social practice. Owing to the fact that our research aims to delve into power imbalance and dominance between doctor-patient interaction, throughout the analysis of discourse special attention was given to the instances where these two features were evident and spotted by researchers. The finding from the analysis were interpreted and revealed the existence, nature and extent of power imbalance and dominance in discourse of doctor-patient interaction.

کلیدواژه ها:

Critical Discourse Analysis ، Doctor-Patient Interaction ، Power Imbalance and Dominance.