Case reports often
taken on an official style in which the situation presented, that is the
condition and treatment of a patient, is deescalated to a point where the
medical professionals reading the report are desensitized from what is really
happening to the patient and is instead offered an objective oriented view.
This allows the authors to direct the reader’s attention on the efforts made
and the outcomes that resulted. Ultimately, the focus shifts from the patient’s
overall wellbeing to the efforts made by medical professionals who are
responsible for the care of the patient. This signifies that the true purpose
of such official writing is to further advance the acclaim and respect of the
authors and medical professionals in the eyes of the rest of the professional
medicine community. There are many ways in which this effect is achieved some
of which include impersonal language, medical jargon, and subjective phrasing.
When referring to the patient, the
authors do so passively in such a way that the focus is shifted from the
patient to the efforts made to treat the patient. This can be seen through the
use of “he” in reference to the patient and “the” instead of “his” in reference
to something that belongs to the patient. “He has burns of variable thickness
to the face, neck, chest, both arms, both thighs and the abdomen amounting to
33% total body surface area…” The lack of personal reference is due to ethical
and professional standards that must be upheld while providing care for someone
because of the confidential manner of the situation. In order to maintain an
ethical standard of privacy and professionalism, medical professionals must not
reveal any identifying information, such as the name, of a patient. This
standard is expected among all medical professionals when they discuss or
report about certain cases and signifies competency within their field. A
subsequent effect that is often not readily noticed of this impersonal language
is that besides upholding a professional standard, the case report is being
focused on the authors themselves and their efforts.
Once the focus is shifted to the
authors’ efforts the authors must be able to maintain their credibility and
respect which is often accomplished via the use of jargon relative to medical
profession. The use of precise, formal language in relation to medicine is
necessary to convey certain ideas that are being presented. This specific use
of diction creates a type of shorthand which allows for communication amongst
medical professionals to be clear and concise. Subsequently the authors are
furthering their respect and acclaim through the lens which they are perceived
by their peer professionals.
Purposefully or
not the authors are putting themselves on a pedestal to showcase their efforts
and knowledge. Impersonal language and medical jargon help the author establish
credibility, respect, and acclaim which in turn allows them to phrase their
report in a subjective manner. Case reports are phrased in a way which can
allow the authors to take credit for but also avoid responsibility of the
consequences of the information presented.
Should medical professionals’
findings on a type of treatment of a specific medical issue manifest into
actually be detrimental to patients, then the medical professional will have
wanted to word their report in such a way that they can go back and point out
that they stated their uncertainty. Rather, they will want to be able to say
that they were merely stating their findings without any proclamation of its
significance. On the other hand, if their findings prove to further advance the
care and quality of life of patients, then they will want to have worded the
same report in a manner that portrays their discovery as an advancement in the
future of medicine. An effective way through which this subjective phrasing is
accomplished is the use of vague statements such as “we believe” or “we report”
or even “may allow.”
Why would this be
important? Why would a medical professional want to word their findings in such
a way that, regardless of its practical significance and relation to the future
of the medical field, would allow for subjective interpretation of their
findings? The world, especially the world of medicine and science, is filled
with uncertainty. What may be a groundbreaking finding today could end up being
a false point tomorrow. Since the world is constantly changing and evolving,
medical professionals want to be able to present their findings in such a way
that they can take credit for its contributions to their field of study
regardless if their findings prove to be accurate or are declared false.
Essentially this is a win-win situation.
Upon recognizing
this unique position that researchers put themselves in, their motives can be
clearly reasoned. By wording their findings in a manner that allows for
interpretation of their intent, the professionals are protecting themselves
from backlash against others in their field. This protection of their
reputation therefore allows for professionals to publish their findings without
any negative drawbacks. For example, if their findings prove to be false they
can simply say that they were reporting on what they had found and had not made
any concrete conclusions about the significance of their publication. In this
case their reputation is maintained and no true harm has been done. On the
other hand if their findings do prove significant then their acclaim and
reputation can only be boosted. Often times the purpose of this official style
would be masked by professionals who say that they publish their findings to be
used in collaboration amongst professionals rather than their own
self-interest. This too is open for interpretation just as the phrasing of case
reports are.
-James G.
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