Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2012
Source Publication
Communication & Medicine
Source ISSN
1612-1783
Abstract
Well-organized conversation can improve people’s ability to comprehend and retain information. As part of a long-term effort to adapt Quality Improvement techniques for communication, we developed an explicit criteria method to assess usage of three organizing behaviors (OBs): ‘opening behaviors’ to establish goals; ‘structuring behaviors’ to guide patients through conversation; and ‘emphasizing behaviors’ that signal a need for attention. Pairs of abstractors independently reviewed transcripts in a demonstration sample of conversations between physicians and standardized parents after newborn screening identifies carrier status for sickle cell disease. Criteria for at least one OB were identified in 50/84 transcripts (60%), including 27 with at least one opening behavior (32%), 5 with at least one structuring behavior (6%), and 38 with at least one emphasizing behavior (45%). The limited number of OBs raises concern about communication after newborn screening. Assessment and improvement of OB usage may improve understanding and allow parents to more actively participate in health care.
Recommended Citation
Christopher, Stephanie A.; Ahmad, Nadia Y.; Bradford, Lisa; Collins, Jenelle; Eskra, Kerry L.; Kirschner, Alison La Pean; O'Tool, Faith O.; Roedl, Sara J.; and Farrell, Michael H., "A Method to Assess the Organizing Behaviors Used in Physicians' Counseling of Standardized Parents after Newborn Genetic Screening" (2012). College of Professional Studies Faculty Research and Publications. 30.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/cps_fac/30
Comments
Published version. Communication & Medicine, Vol. 9, No. 2 (2012): 101-111. DOI. © 2012 De Gruyter. Used with permission.