Communication in Medical and Healthcare Interactions

The course will take place at the University of York campus on Dates - TBC. 

The course will include lectures on a range of integrated topics, directed exercises, as well as practical hands-on sessions giving participants experience in analysing data, using the perspective and methods of Conversation Analysis (CA).

Practical sessions will be focused on applying CA’s methodology, not only in the detailed analysis of particular medical/health care interactions but also in working on collections of significant patterns to be found in medical interactions. 

The data used throughout will be real-life, authentic medical interactions – based on the considerable experience each of us has had working in a range of divers medical settings (these include primary care, oncology, neurology, seizure clinics, memory clinics, maternity units, medical helplines).

Our research has focused on aspects of the effectiveness of communication, on patient-centred medicine and patient choice and the role of communication in diagnosis. We will draw on our own datasets and research findings across the practical elements of this workshop.

Our aim is to assist participants in developing research skills, through enhancing their understanding of CA’s methodology, and their ability to apply CA in their investigations of medical interactions.  

Paul Drew, is a Professor in the Department of Language and Linguistic Science, has considerable experience of teaching CA at introductory and advanced levels, both in conventional courses and through workshops, worldwide. His recent research in medical communication includes projects on the delivery of NHS’s IAPT programme of psychological therapy, conversations between doctors and parents in neonatal critical care, and the language used in (US) medical records.

Clare Jackson is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology.  Her research covers both basic CA – particularly practices for referring to persons – and applied CA – particularly feminist issues and healthcare.  She is currently working on an NIHR funded project examining decisional practices between women, birth partners and practitioners in midwife-led intrapartum care. 

Danielle Jones is an Associate Professor in the Centre for Applied Dementia Studies at the University of Bradford. Her research includes projects on everyday family interactions involving a person living with dementia as well as medical communication, during the assessment and diagnosis of dementia. She uses conversation analytic methods and findings to teach health and social care professionals how to enhance their dementia care practice.

Merran Toerien is a Reader in the Department of Sociology. She has expertise in the application of conversation analysis to communication in institutional settings, with a particular interest in patient choice.  She has extensive experience of teaching CA at undergraduate and graduate levels, and has run workshops in South Africa, Brazil, China, the Netherlands and the UK.

The cost for the 2023 three-day course was:

Standard rate:

• £550

Postgraduate rate:

• £330 

Prices are exempt of VAT.

The rate includes course materials, a Certificate of Attendance, lunches, tea and coffee for the three days, and one dinner together - the evening before the final day.

Register your interest

Registration is done online by Credit/Debit Card for instant payment and a guaranteed secured place on the course (please note the University of York does not accept American Express cards).

Delegates are responsible for booking their own accommodation and arranging payment directly with the hotel of their choice.

A list of some hotel options in the city will be circulated to all delegates.

For further information about York, please visit the 'Visit York' website.