Risk Communication in Healthcare: The Management of Misunderstandings

Risk communication represents a nuanced discourse within the healthcare sector, characterized by the topics’ sensitivity and the potential for misunderstandings between healthcare providers and patients. This delicacy stems from the complexity of effectively conveying information about risks. Consequently, a primary obstacle lies in fostering healthcare providers’ understanding of implicit communication nuances inherent in pre-operative risk discussions. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by examining the topic through the lens of the philosophy of language, specifically utilizing pragmatic analysis tools to elucidate implicit understandings in doctor-patient interactions. We employ this approach to scrutinize instances of risk evaluation preceding cardiac surgery. Through empirical analysis of gathered data, we illustrate the inadequacies of current state-of-the-art models in accurately identifying misunderstandings within healthcare dialogues. In conclusion, we propose avenues for future research in this domain, underscoring the importance of further exploration into improving risk communication in healthcare settings.