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The interpersonal work of dental conscious sedation: A qualitative analysis
Author(s) -
Woolley Stephen M.,
Chadwick Barbara,
Pugsley Lesley
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1111/cdoe.12295
Subject(s) - sedation , medicine , qualitative research , interpersonal communication , anesthesia , psychology , social psychology , social science , sociology
Abstract Aims Whilst there is a considerable body of literature examining the pharmacology of conscious sedation, the social tasks required to successfully provide conscious sedation have not been reported. This paper discusses data regarding the interpersonal work integral to effective conscious sedation provision, from a larger qualitative study exploring how patients and clinicians engage with secondary care conscious sedation provided within the UK . Method Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 conscious sedation providers and nine patients within UK ‐based secondary care sedation settings. Digital audio‐recordings were transcribed verbatim and subsequently analysed using a constant comparative method within NV ivo Data Analysis Software. Results Four main themes of interpersonal work were reported by participants: displaying care, containing emotions, demonstrating competence and maximizing the effect. Conclusion This study shows that performing conscious sedation requires more than technical delivery, and involves the projection of attributes in a literal “performance.” The importance of managing outward emotional appearance reflects previous dental research. The need to manage outward appearance, and the emotional impact this has, is of relevance to all clinicians.