Evolving Roles and Structures of Triadic Engagement in Healthcare

Keeling, Debbie Isobel and Laing, Angus Wallace and de Ruyter, Ko (2018) Evolving Roles and Structures of Triadic Engagement in Healthcare. Journal of Service Management, 29 (3). pp. 352-377.

[thumbnail of JSM2017]
Preview
PDF (JSM2017)
JSM2017.pdf - Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial.

Download (1MB)

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the changing nature of healthcare service encounters by studying the phenomenon of triadic engagement incorporating interactions between patients, local and virtual networks and healthcare professionals. Design/methodology/approach An 18-month longitudinal ethnographic study documents interactions in naturally occurring healthcare consultations. Professionals (n=13) and patients (n=24) within primary and secondary care units were recruited. Analysis of observations, field notes and interviews provides an integrated picture of triadic engagement. Findings Triadic engagement is conceptualised against a two-level framework. First, the structure of triadic consultations is identified in terms of the human voice, virtual voice and networked voice. These are related to: companions’ contributions to discussions and the virtual network impact. Second, evolving roles are mapped to three phases of transformation: enhancement; empowerment; emancipation. Triadic engagement varied across conditions. Research limitations/implications These changing roles and structures evidence an increasing emphasis on the responsible consumer and patients/companions to utilise information/support in making health-related decisions. The nature and role of third voices requires clear delineation. Practical implications Structures of consultations should be rethought around the diversity of patient/companion behaviours and expectations as patients undertake self-service activities. Implications for policy and practice are: the parallel set of local/virtual informational and service activities; a network orientation to healthcare; tailoring of support resources/guides for professionals and third parties to inform support practices. Originality/value Contributions are made to understanding triadic engagement and forwarding the agenda on patient-centred care. Longitudinal illumination of consultations is offered through an exceptional level of access to observe consultations.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Journal of Service Management
Additional Information:
This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1400/1401
Subjects:
?? healthcareempowermentemancipationconsultationstriadic engagementbusiness, management and accounting (miscellaneous)strategy and managementtourism, leisure and hospitality management ??
ID Code:
89737
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
16 Jan 2018 16:02
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
28 Mar 2024 00:48