‘Talking a different language’: a qualitative study of chronic low back pain patients' interpretation of the language used by student osteopaths

Thomson, Oliver P and Collyer, Katie (2017) ‘Talking a different language’: a qualitative study of chronic low back pain patients' interpretation of the language used by student osteopaths. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 24. pp. 3-11. ISSN 1746-0689

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2016.11.002

Abstract

Background: A growing body of research evidence has identiﬁed psychosocial factors to be important in the management of low back pain (LBP). Evidence suggests that healthcare professionals have a considerable inﬂuence on patients' attitudes and beliefs. Few studies have investigated how patients experiencing LBP interpret the language used by their osteopath during their consultation and the impact of language on their attitudes and beliefs of their LBP. Objectives: To explore and describe how patients with acute or chronic LBP interpret the language used by student osteopaths when explaining their diagnosis, and the impact their interpretation has on their attitudes and beliefs of their LBP. Method: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of nine patients experiencing LBP who had recently attended an osteopathic teaching clinic in the UK. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and elements of grounded theory were used as a framework for data analysis. Results: Participants expressed a range of interpretations in response to the language used when discussing their LBP. The use of medical words, metaphors and analogies, reassurance and the patient practitioner relationship were identiﬁed as factors inﬂuencing the level to which participants engaged, taking an active role in their care. Conclusions: The language used by student osteopaths' inﬂuences patient beliefs about LBP in a variety of ways. The current study furthers understanding of how language contributes to these beliefs, identifying ways through which communication can contribute to improved healthcare through enhancing patient engagement. Keywords: Low back pain, Osteopathy, Language, Engagement

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences > School of Medicine
Depositing User:	Dr Hilary Abbey
Date Deposited:	21 Dec 2020 13:01
Last Modified:	27 Mar 2021 19:55
URI:	https://uco.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/25

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