Table 2 Conversation Quality Analysis Codebook: abbreviated definitions of domains
Goal | Domain | Brief definition of domains (full definitions below) |
|---|---|---|
Task | Content | Discussing clinically relevant topics (e.g., attending to the clinical task); explaining medical options, testing, or treatments; exploring values/beliefs relevant to medical options; providing discrete directions for care; elaborating on reasons for recommendations |
Engagement | Paying attention, tracking with the conversation, asking others to elaborate on answers, exploring others’ points of view, trying to figure out what something means; elaborating on viewpoints; being direct and confident in discussing issues (not avoiding) | |
Relational | Emotion | Expressing vulnerability or intense emotions, providing emotional support, offering compassion and sensitivity when disclosing bad news, expressing empathy, disclosing personal experiences and thoughts, discussing hardships |
Relationships | Working hard to establish rapport, affirming the value of relationships, showing concern for others, expressing compassion or empathy, affirming value of involving family/friends in tough decisions | |
Identity | Face | Affirming others’ values or beliefs, listening with intent to understand, expressing a wish to honor others’ wishes, acknowledging others’ personalities in an affirming way, considering impact of decisions on others |
Accommodation | Tailoring to the other person’s communication needs or style; avoiding use of oversimplified speech patterns (like talking slowly, using simple words and grammar, using careful articulation); exaggerating intonation (like using a higher pitch or an overly familiar tone); showing appropriate sensitivity to the other person’s needs or questions; considering what the other person says; responding appropriately to the other person’s concerns; not interrupting; listening well; avoiding being scripted or robotic |