Lifestyle, health and the ethics of good living. Health behaviour counselling in general practice

ObjectiveTo present theory that illustrates the relevance of ethics for lifestyle counselling in patient-centred general practice, and to illustrate the theory by a qualitative study exploring how doctors may obstruct or enhance the possibilities for ethical dialogue.MethodsThe theoretical part is based on theory of common morality and Habermas’ communication theory. The empirical study consists of 12 consultations concerning lifestyle changes, followed by interviews of doctors and patients. Analysis: Identification of two contrasting consultations holding much and little ethical dialogue, “translation” into speech acts, and interpretation of speech acts and interviews guided by theory.ResultsGeneral advice obstructed possibilities for ethical clarification and patient-centredness. Ethical clarification was asked for, and was enhanced by the doctor using communication techniques such as interpretation, summarization, and exploration of the objective, subjective and social dimensions of the patients’ lifeworlds. However, to produce concrete good decisions an additional reflection over possibilities and obstacles in the patient's lifeworld is necessary.ConclusionConsultations concerning lifestyle changes hold opportunities for ethical clarification and reflection which may create decisions rooted in the patient's everyday life.Practice implicationsThe study suggests that GPs should encourage active reflection and deliberation on values and norms in consultations concerning lifestyle changes.