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Discourse analysis: examining the potential for research in palliative care

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Frankston, margaret.oconnor{at}med.monash.edu.au

S Payne

Institute for Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster

Qualitative research methods are an appropriate way to address questions on understandings, feelings and experiences of people in the context of palliative care. They make an assumption that language reflects objective reality. An alternative position is taken by discourse analysis methods, which are concerned with investigating how language and written texts are used to shape and influence behaviours, and provide ways of constructing the world. This paper argues that discourse analysis has benefits in revealing taken-for-granted and hidden aspects of palliative care. These advantages include revealing how common words and terms are used to invoke social practices, knowledge and power, which shape the meaning and delivery of palliative care in different contexts. Advice on conducting discourse analysis is provided, along with two exemplar studies. Finally, we indicate the potential contributions, the disadvantages and the ethical considerations required in using this approach to research.

Key Words: discourse analysis • health services research • palliative care • research design

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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by O’Connor, M. Articles by Payne, S Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by O’Connor, M. Articles by Payne, S Social Bookmarking                   What's this?