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Southern Cross Health Features

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Things that make you go “Oh”

A Victoria University health sociologist says that understanding the importance of one small word could help improve outcomes in the health system.

Professor Kevin Dew, programme director of Sociology and Social Policy at VictoriaUniversity, has researched interactions between doctor and patients, and believes that by understanding “oh” moments and other features of these interactions, improvements could be made in the health system.

“Small details can be very informative in terms of interaction—the word “oh” can signify the patient has received major news. It is a transformative moment.”

He cites the example of a patient entering the consultation believing they are healthy, but then being informed that they have a life-threatening illness.

Much of his research involves detailed analysis of doctor/patient consultations, and the use of the word “oh” can signify a huge change in the patient’s perceptions.

Professor Dew, who has extensive experience working with health researchers and health professionals at the Wellington School of Medicine, says analysis of such interactions can have benefits for the health system.

“One of the main reasons for complaints to the Health and Disability Commission relates to problems of miscommunication in health consultations. By closely observing interactions we can see that what could be classed as miscommunication between patients and health professionals is not an uncommon occurrence.”