The Meaning of Hyper-Tension

If it is true that problems in communication do lie at the bottom of these and similar issues, social science disciplines which scrutinize the process, content and significance of verbal interaction should be able to provide at least tentative solutions.

Abstract

Sick people seek out physicians to tell them of their ailments and learn what they need to do to regain their health. Physicians ask questions about their patient's illness, and then advise — prescribe — actions which will lead to the sick regaining their health. In the midst of this recounting, questioning, and advising, it seems strange that problems of communication would arise, but apparently they do. Issues surrounding the transmission of information about health and illness are being discussed more frequently in the biomedical literature, and the debate is even spilling over into the lay press. Poor communication is blamed for a variety of the ills besetting health care: at the least it is seen as a major factor in lack of compliance with medical regimens (Hulka 1979; Svarstad 1976), lack of satisfaction with medical care (Roter 1977; Wooley et al. 1978) and the increase in malpractice suits. If it is true that problems in communication do lie at the bottom of these and similar issues, social science disciplines which scrutinize the process, content and significance of verbal interaction should be able to provide at least tentative solutions.