Examining the validity of the unitary theory of clinical relationships: Comparison of observed and experienced parent–doctor interaction

Abstract Objective We explored parent–doctor relationships in the care of children with leukaemia from three perspectives simultaneously: parents’, doctors’ and observers’. Our aim was to investigate convergence and divergence between these perspectives and thereby examine the validity of unitary theory of emotionality and authority in clinical relationships. Methods 33 audiorecorded parent–doctor consultations and separate interviews with parents and doctors, which we analysed qualitatively and from which we selected three prototype cases. Results Across the whole sample doctors’ sense of relationship generally converged with our observations of consultation, but parents’ sense of relationship diverged strongly from each. Contrary to current assumptions, parents’ sense of emotional connection with doctors did not depend on doctors’ emotional behaviour, and parents did not feel disempowered by doctors’ authority. Moreover, authority and emotionality were not conceptually distinct for parents, who gained emotional support from doctors’ exercise of authority. Conclusions The relationships looked very different from the three perspectives. These divergences indicate weaknesses in current ideas of emotionality and authority in clinical relationships and the necessity of multisource datasets to develop these ideas in a way that characterises clinical relationships from all perspectives. Practice implications Methodological development will be needed to address the challenges posed by multisource datasets.