| Effecting change through dialogue: Habermas' theory of communicative action as a tool in medical lifestyle interventions. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 20552281 Owner: NLM Status: In-Process |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Adjustments of everyday life in order to prevent disease or treat illness afflict partly unconscious preferences and cultural expectations that are often difficult to change. How should one, in medical contexts, talk with patients about everyday life in ways that might penetrate this blurred complexity, and help people find goals and make decisions that are both compatible with a good life and possible to accomplish? In this article we pursue the question by discussing how Habermas' theory of communicative action can be implemented in decision-making processes in general practice. The theory of deliberative decision-making offers practical guidelines for what to talk about and how to do it. For a decision to be rooted in patients' everyday life it has to take into consideration the patient's practical circumstances, emotions and preferences, and what he or she perceives as ethically right behaviour towards other people. The aim is a balanced conversation, demonstrating respect, consistency and sincerity, as well as offering information and clarifying reasons. Verbalising reasons for one's preferences may increase awareness of values and norms, which can then be reflected upon, producing decisions rooted in what the patient perceives as good and right behaviour. The asymmetry of medical encounters is both a resource and a challenge, demanding patient-centred medical leadership, characterised by empathy and ability to take the patient's perspective. The implementation and adjustments of Habermas' theory in general practice is illustrated by a case story. Finally, applications of the theory are discussed. |
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Authors:
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Liv Tveit Walseth; Edvin Schei |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Medicine, health care, and philosophy Volume: 14 ISSN: 1572-8633 ISO Abbreviation: Med Health Care Philos Publication Date: 2011 Feb |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2011-01-03 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9815900 Medline TA: Med Health Care Philos Country: Netherlands |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 81-90 Citation Subset: E; IM |
Affiliation:
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Research Unit for General Practice, Uni Health, Bergen, Norway. liv@walseth.no |
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Descriptor/Qualifier:
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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