Applying Chinese Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences (VR-CoDES) in ophthalmic consultations: An observational study.

OBJECTIVE

Apply Chinese VR-CoDES in ophthalmic setting and describe patients' worries and the doctor's responses. Explore cultural differences in coding.

METHODS

102 audio-taped consultations of 84 patients were coded by Chinese version of VR-CoDES. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to test inter/intra-rater reliability, and inductive content analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The ICCs of inter-rater reliability for cues/concerns and responses were 0.78 and 0.81, and intra-rater reliability were 0.87 and 0.99, respectively. Cues were more frequent than concerns and elicited often by patients. Explicit Reduce Space (ER) was the most frequent response. Interruptions and the doctor's repetitions were evident. Some expressions were not specified in the coding manual. Patients concerned about treatment effect (22 %), expenses (18 %), risk of operation (14 %), and pain (10 %).

CONCLUSION

The Chinese VR-CoDES can be applied to clinical consultations in China. Ophthalmic patients often expressed cues which were frequently elicited by themselves. The ophthalmologist preferred to give ER response. Interruptions and the ophthalmologist's repetitions were difficult to code. More Chinese expressions should be collected to reduce cultural difference when coding.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION

VR-CoDES will be helpful in doctor-patient communication and medical education. VR-CoDES should undergo cultural adaptions in China.