Development of the Verona coding definitions of emotional sequences to code health providers' responses (VR-CoDES-P) to patient cues and concerns

Objective: To present the Verona-Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences consensus definitions to code Provider responses (VR-CoDES-P) to patient cues and concerns as described by Zimmermann et al. [2,3]. Methods: First, a position paper was written within the “Verona Network of Sequence Analysis” to formulate the basic considerations underlying the development process. Secondly, a conceptual framework was developed within a subgroup of the Network. Thirdly, pilot video tapes were coded by members of the subgroup. Fourth, the present coding system was developed within the Network in plenary and small group sessions. Results: Coding procedures and coding content are described. Provider responses are coded according to two major conceptual dimensions: whether or not the response explicitly refers to the cue/concern or not and whether or not the provider provides space for further disclosure of the cue or concern, generating a classification system of four main classes of provider responses, which may be further subdivided into 17 individual categories. Conclusion: The Verona-CoDES-P system has been developed based on consensus within the “Verona Network of Sequence Analysis”. Once validity and reliability are tested, the system should be applied to investigate the relationship between provider responses to patients’ expression of emotions and outcome variables. Practice implications: Research employing the Verona CoDES-P should be applied to develop research based approaches to communication skills training