Use of metaphor in provider-patient communication in medical settings: A systematic review

Abstract

Background

Metaphors are extensively utilized by those studying and practicing medicine. Those metaphors employed in provider-patient communication in medical settings are particularly significant due to their dynamic and interactive nature, and their direct contribution to the completion of core medical tasks and the quality of provider-patient interaction and relationship.

Objective

We aim to: (1) to identify and summarize existing literature on the use of metaphors in patient-provider communication in medical settings; (2) discuss the implications of these studies for medical research and practice; and (3) provide recommendations for future research in this area.

Methods

The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and the Web of Science Core Collections were systematically searched, and the obtained literature was combined with the online resource "Metaphor in Health Discourse and Communication". The resultant literature was then screened according to preset inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Of 265 articles identified, 16 studies were found to completely meet our purpose and inclusion criteria. Analysis revealed 7 major themes, including the metaphor’s facilitating functions, harmful effects, differences between providers and patients etc. Metaphors were found to enhance provider-patient relationship and communication and promote shared understanding and decision-making.

Conclusion

Metaphors play a significant role in provider-patient communication in medical settings, offering both benefits and challenges. Future research can further explore other aspects of metaphor use in medical settings, and update the research methodology and approaches by collecting larger, balanced samples of metaphor, conducting quantitative analyses of metaphor efficacy, and doing multimodal analysis of metaphor use.