Act, scene, agency: The drama of medical imaging

Murphy, FJ

Abstract

This paper investigates the use of a novel research paradigm in order to describe
practice and behaviour within the context of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) departments.
Using a thematic analysis of patient and radiographer transcripts, a social model of the interactions
that can occur is constructed from a theatrical perspective. A review of the social scientific
literature was undertaken to identify the main concepts associated with this paradigm.
Results: Radiographers and patients fitted into the roles and categories, as described by the
original philosophers. Behaviour and ritual were seen to be markedly different in the presence
of the patient as opposed to being in the control room. The deliberate ‘acting out’ of roles was
also revealed in order to maintain self-identity and professional image. Patients provided an
insightful account of their experiences and demonstrated some sophisticated coping strategies
during the scanning procedure.
Conclusion: The use of this alternative qualitative method revealed some very interesting,
complex rituals and behaviour patterns amongst the sample of radiographers and their
patients.

Citation

Murphy, F. (2009). Act, scene, agency: The drama of medical imaging. Radiography, 15, 34-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rad.2007.09.006

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2009
• Deposit Date: Dec 21, 2010
• Journal: Radiography
• Print ISSN: 1078-8174
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 15
• Pages: 34-39
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rad.2007.09.006
• Publisher URL: http://www.radiographyonline.com