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Linguistic Analysis of Face‐to‐Face Interviews with Patients with An Explicit Request for Euthanasia, their Closest Relatives, and their Attending Physicians: the Use of Modal Verbs in Dutch
Author(s) -
Dieltjens Sylvain M.,
Heynderickx Priscilla C.,
Dees Marianne K.,
Vissers Kris C.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
pain practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1533-2500
pISSN - 1530-7085
DOI - 10.1111/papr.12076
Subject(s) - face (sociological concept) , modal verb , medicine , modal , linguistics , face to face , social psychology , family medicine , psychology , epistemology , verb , philosophy , chemistry , polymer chemistry
Background The literature, field research, and daily practice stress the need for adequate communication in palliative care. Although language is of the utmost importance in communication, linguistic analysis of end‐of‐life discussions is scarce. Aims Our aim is 2‐fold: We want to determine what the use of 4 significant Dutch modal verbs expressing volition, obligation, possibility, and permission reveals about the concept of unbearable suffering and about physicians' communicative style. Methods We quantitatively (TextStat) and qualitatively (bottom‐up approach) analyzed the use of the modal verbs in 15 interviews, with patients requesting euthanasia or physician‐assisted suicide, their physicians, and their closest relatives. Results An essential element of unbearable suffering is the patient's incapacity to perform certain tasks. Further, the physician's preference for particular modal verbs reveals whether his attitude toward patients is more or less patronizing and more or less appreciative. Conclusions Linguistic analysis can help medical professionals to better understand their communicative skills, styles, and approach to patients in end‐of‐life situations. We have shown how linguistic analysis can contribute to a better understanding of physician–patient interaction. Moreover, we have illustrated the usefulness of interdisciplinary research in the medical domain.