Reconfiguring clinical communication in the electronic counselling context: The nuances of disruption

Abstract

Aim

This study expands on an earlier study about diabetes nurses’ experiences of the Guided Self‐Determination intervention in face‐to‐face consultations among people with type 2 diabetes. This current study investigates Guided Self‐Determination in an electronic format with the aim to explore what can be learned about the written form for health communication from the perspectives of diabetes nurses in primary care.

Design

The study has an explorative, qualitative design.

Method

Four diabetes nurses were individually interviewed after completing the electronic intervention. The analysis was guided by Interpretive Description.

Results

Small sample size apart, the rich empirical data and quality of dialogue point to the interviewees’ earlier contact, comfort and trust with the researcher. The written electronic communication could disrupt nurses’ possibilities for using basic and advanced communication skills. Findings also indicate that written electronic communication can foster thoughtful responses to patients and increase possibilities for a transparent counselling delivery process.