Rationalization of medical risk through talk of trust: an exploration of elective eye surgery narratives

Author: Sobo E.J.

Source: Anthropology & Medicine, Volume 8, Numbers 2-3, 1 August 2001 , pp. 265-278(14)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This exploratory paper represents a preliminary reflection on the ways people talk about LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), elective surgery to correct refractive errors in the eye. It explores the interplay between narrative, identity, and health risk through a qualitative examination of both lay narratives involving LASIK and the ways LASIK surgeons may present the operation. Data were collected through participant observation in San Diego, California. Findings suggest that LASIK talk focuses on not only the operation's transformative nature but also on its risks. Examination of the treatment of risk in pro-LASIK narratives calls into question assumptions about individual agency and rationality that are common in present health services conceptualizations of patient-physician trust. Risk rationalization through talk of one's wisdom in selecting a surgeon may be found in relation to any elected surgical operation due to the otherwise culturally problematic nature of exposing oneself to unnecessary medical risk.

Document Type: Original article

Publication date: 2001-08-01

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