Research article summary (published 16 Jan 2009):

The medical consultation viewed as a value chain: a neurobehavioral approach to emotion regulation in doctor-patient interaction.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To present a model of the medical consultation as a value chain, and to apply a neurobehavioral perspective to analyze each element in the chain with relevance for emotion regulation. METHODS: Current knowledge on four elements in medical consultations and neuroscientific evidence on corresponding basic processes are selectively reviewed. RESULTS: The four elements of communication behaviours presented as steps in a value chain model are: (1) establishing rapport, (2) patient disclosure of emotional cues and concerns, (3) the doctor's expression of empathy, and (4) positive reappraisal of concerns. CONCLUSION: The metaphor of the value chain, with emphasis on goal orientation, helps to understand the impact of each communicative element on the outcome of the consultation. Added value at each step is proposed in terms of effects on outcome indicators; in this case patients affect regulation. Neurobehavioral mechanisms are suggested to explain the association between communication behaviour and affect regulation outcome. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The value chain metaphor and the emphasis on behaviour-outcome-mechanisms associations may be of interest as conceptualizations for communications skills training.

Author information

Author/s: Finset, Arnstein (A); Mjaaland, Trond A (TA);

Affiliation: Department of Behavioural Science in Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. arnstein.finset(-atsign-)medisin.uio.no

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Patient education and counseling (Patient Educ Couns), published in Ireland. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Mar; vol 74 (issue 3) : pp 323-30

Dates: Created 2009/02/23; Completed 2009/06/02;

PMID: 19153023, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 6/2/2009, IMS Date: 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Brain - physiology Communication Cues Emotions Empathy Goals Health Behavior Humans Models, Educational Models, Neurological Models, Psychological

Models, Psychological Neuropsychology Patient Education as Topic Patient Participation - methods; psychology Physician's Role - psychology Physician-Patient Relations Placebo Effect Psychology, Educational Psychophysiology Referral and Consultation Self Disclosure

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