Miscommunication in Healthcare : Solving a Wicked Problem (Language as Social Action)

This book investigates the miscommunication that occurs within diverse healthcare settings. It includes doctor-patient consultations, multi-disciplinary teams, and intercultural encounters; it also examines adverse patient events. It explores real life situations where communication failed either patients, health professionals, or both. The author applies a specific social psychological perspective to offer one particular explanation as to why communication fails. The complex nature of health communication is demonstrated through an in-depth analysis of the health system and its associated hierarchical structure. Developed throughout the book is the belief that health communication is a ‘wicked problem’ with no one solution.