Two models of ethical alignment through metacommunication in clinical situations

Authors

  • Frederikke Winther Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Institute of Communication A. C. Meyers Vænge 15 2450 København S
  • Camilla Dindler Aalborg University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/cam.32314

Keywords:

alignment, ethics of medicine, metacommunication, logic of care, physician–patient interactions, skills-based communication

Abstract

The literature on communication in patient-centred care typically focuses on physicians’ alignment strategies. The goals of these strategies are diagnostic accuracy, effectiveness via compliance and patient-centredness. Although the success of these strategies can to some extent be measured, the ethical standards by which they are evaluated are not sufficiently clear. This article presents two models of alignment through ‘explicit’ metacommunication, derived from two different ethical perspectives on patient-centredness. The article first presents the concept of metacommunication and identifies two ethical perspectives that produce normative stands concerning patient-centredness: the logic of care and internal morality. Second, the article presents two models of how metacommunication can contribute to the visibility and accomplishment of these two ethical perspectives in clinical alignment.

Author Biographies

  • Frederikke Winther, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Institute of Communication A. C. Meyers Vænge 15 2450 København S
    Assistant professor, ph.d.
  • Camilla Dindler, Aalborg University
    Camilla Dindler, PhD, is an Associate Professor. She researches and teaches health communication and political communication. In both areas, she focuses on the tensions between actors, institutions and political interests. She also trains students and professionals in interpersonal communication in various settings.

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Published

2018-03-27

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Winther, F., & Dindler, C. (2018). Two models of ethical alignment through metacommunication in clinical situations. Communication and Medicine, 14(2), 188-198. https://doi.org/10.1558/cam.32314

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