Date of Award
2006
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Sociology and Social Policy
First Advisor
Prof. Alfred C M Chan
Second Advisor
Prof. David R Phillips
Abstract
This thesis attempts to explain the older-patients and doctors’ relationship through negotiation. The relationship between older-patients and their doctors is important because, first, the patient-doctor relationship is basic to the health care system and is a foundation for all patient care; second, populations are ageing and this group often has a higher incidence of chronic illnesses. Therefore, the older patient-doctor consultation becomes of paramount importance in enabling patients and the health care system to manage their illnesses effectively.
This thesis describes a negotiation process (from reception, consultation, to outcome) and outcome patterns between older patients and doctors in medical consultation. It could be explained by the symbolic interaction perspective. Simply, both patients and doctors had gone through many internal thoughts and came to each other with a purpose or an expected outcome before the negotiation (i.e. the styles). Then there were gives and takes during the negotiation process (i.e. the consultation process), establishing a final equilibrium of a relationship falling into the 16 negotiation patterns developed.
The study has been undertaken three principal methods in addition to reviewing the published literature.
Copyright
The copyright of this thesis is owned by its author. Any reproduction, adaptation, distribution or dissemination of this thesis without express authorization is strictly prohibited.
Recommended Citation
Ma, H. K. C. (2006). Explaining older-patient and doctor relationship through negotiation (Doctoral dissertation, Lingnan University, Hong Kong). Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.14793/soc_etd.21