Premium
SE10
SURGICAL TEAMWORK: SYSTEMIC FUNCTIONAL LINGUISTICS AND THE ANALYSIS OF VERBAL AND NON VERBAL MEANING IN SURGERY
Author(s) -
Cartmill J.,
Moore A.,
Butt D.,
Squire L.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2007.04129_10.x
Subject(s) - teamwork , meaning (existential) , gesture , grammar , medicine , systemic functional linguistics , psychology , linguistics , psychotherapist , philosophy , political science , law
Purpose Surgeons rely on teamwork, yet beyond an appreciation that some teams are more enjoyable to work in than others, or more effective, there is little understanding of the myriad complex interactions that make teamwork possible. Techniques of systemic functional linguistics permit objective analysis of behaviour (often subtle or subliminal) that carries meaning; these techniques can be applied to surgical teamwork. Methodology Linguists came into the operating room initially for unobtrusive note taking and sketching. Increasing familiarity over several months allowed detailed audio visual analysis of surgery. Surgical sequences were recorded and analysed using Elan software. Recurring patterns of meaning were identified and catalogued. Results The techniques surgeons and their team members use to exchange meaning is made explicit in this study, which brings out the systemic character of the options for meaning available to surgical team members. A grammar, albeit one that encompasses meaning through gesture, touch, body position and gaze, as well as speech, is presented. This grammar captures not only the conventions, rules and consistencies of the surgical ensemble, it also brings out the rhythm, tone, and nuance of the teamwork interactions. Conclusion It is possible to analyze the subtle nuances of interaction that constitute teamwork during surgery. We hope that this work will help demystify the operating room and make it easier for junior staff to understand what is being “said” while making it possible for more experienced staff to recognize and optimise the teamwork so essential for the realization of a complex modern operation.