Uncovering Respect in the Clinical Encounter using a respectful, qualitative methodology: Video Reflexive Ethnography

Aim: This paper aims to compare the results of a study on respect in the clinical encounter with aspects of a qualitative methodology, video-reflexive ethnography (VRE) employed in the study to draw parallels between descriptions of respect and the method that may also be described as respectful. Design: Video-reflexive ethnography was used to qualitatively study respect grounded in patients� and clinicians� perspectives on respect in the clinical encounter. This paper describes the method used and lessons learned as well draws parallels between the results of the study and the method itself. Setting: Primary care internal medicine practice in an academic health center in the Midwest of the US. Findings: A comparative analysis shows that there are parallels between the clinical encounter and the video-reflexivity sessions. It further demonstrates that descriptions of respect can be applied to the VRE methodology itself. Policy implications: The results of this study could serve to inform future health service researchers employing VRE how it might be used in a respectful manner with patients and clinicians.