This article discusses communication in the physician-patient relationship with the aim of identifying potential instances of linguistic obstacles for the physician. The use of different linguistic variants and discursive strategies by the parties involved in communication are highlighted. The article shows that it is essential for physicians to be certain that they understand the problem brought by the patient or family, but this requires attempts to confirm this understanding at different moments during the interview, plus feedback on the physician's appraisal of the clinical situation and recommended measures. Situations illustrating the text are taken from the authors' own professional experience
Physician-Patient Relations; Methods; Medical History Taking; Communication; Grice's cooperative principle
