an appraisal of the effectiveness of corpus linguistic research feedback: healthcare professionals’ perceptions

This study investigates the impact of corpus linguistic feedback on healthcare professionals, particularly within cosmetic surgery consultations. employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative corpus analysis with qualitative insights to examine linguistic patterns, such as stigmatising discourse, medical vs. lay terminology, and interactional asymmetry. the study involves data from three uk healthcare sites. key findings reveal a significant use of lay terms by surgeons, an unexpected prevalence of patient interruptions, and the perpetuation of stigma through language. feedback was provided to surgeons via an executive report, followed by their evaluations through questionnaires and debriefings. results indicate that linguistic feedback heightened awareness among surgeons, prompting reflections on communicative practices and intent to implement changes. this study underscores the utility of corpus linguistics in enhancing healthcare communication and makes a contribution to the field of applied linguistics through the appraisal and recommendations offered for improving patient-centred care and communication.