Introduction

This edited collection presents the latest work on the application of discursive psychology and conversation analysis to sensitive interactions and interventions in healthcare. While all interactions in healthcare settings can be challenging for both patients and practitioners, this book pays particular attention to topics that are likely to be especially sensitive, such as communication around sexual health, palliative care, suicide prevention, medically unexplained symptoms, or chronic pain.

Content and Focus

Across nine chapters authors discuss how discursive psychology and conversation analysis can help us understand what people actually do in conversations, hence providing a strong basis for developing and testing training methods that support health professionals to reflect on their interactions with patients.

Practical and Theoretical Contributions

Addressing both practical and theoretical challenges in the development and implementation of such training sessions, this volume establishes the state-of-the-art in this area and offers a valuable tool for academics and researchers in discourse analytical fields, practitioners working to improve communication in health, as well as meeting facilitators in education or work settings related to healthcare.