The pragmatics of diagnostic uncertainty - A closer look at hedges and shared understanding in diagnostic statements

Maria R. Dahm, Carmel Crock

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Diagnosis is a complex communicative and clinical task. This interdisciplinary study explores diagnostic statements, specifically uncertainty, combining perspectives from medicine and linguistics. We infer divergent understanding of uncertainty expressions between patients and clinicians, linking them to diagnostic errors and shared decision making. We analysed 16 role-play scenarios, applying discourse analysis to identify diagnostic statements and analyse them for shared understanding and expressions of uncertainty. Results showed that in interactions linked to diagnostic error, clinicians heavily relied on evidence and expressed uncertainty indirectly through hesitations, false starts, and lengthy introductory phrases. This suggests clinicians use evidence and phrases as ‘shields’ to signal their lack of commitment to the diagnosis. If these shields aren’t recognised as such, shared understanding may be at risk.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationPragmatics and Beyond New Series
    PublisherJohn Benjamins Publishing Company
    Chapter14
    Pages330-358
    Number of pages29
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2023

    Publication series

    NamePragmatics and Beyond New Series
    Volume338
    ISSN (Print)0922-842X

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