A Critical Analysis of the Discourse of Doctor-Patient Interaction: A Case Study

Abstract

The study undertook a critical analysis of the discourse of doctor-patient interaction under the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) clinic of Gondar Hospital, which is found in the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia. Specifically, the study investigated the recurrent interactional features in the doctor-patient interactions, the manifestations of power relations through language use, as well as the ideological assumptions which are held by doctors and patients. To achieve these objectives, qualitative methods were used during data collection and analysis. Purposeful sampling was used to select the clinic where the study took place. Data were gathered through audio-recording and field notes. Before analysis, the audio recordings were transcribed using Jeffersonian Transcription conventions and then translated into English. The translated data were analyzed thoroughly using Fairclough’s (1992) three-dimensional model of Critical Discourse Analysis. The study, thus, showed that interpersonal relationships between discourse interactants could be an indicative of their social and power relations. Therefore, institutional discourse, specially, that of doctor-patient, could be a place for power struggle.