Intangible dimensions of care: biopolitics, ethics and affection in relation to clinical practice

This article is based on the initial stages of a study undertaken in a public bone marrow transplant center for extremely vulnerable people. We analyze dimensions that cut across health care practice not reduced to immediately measureable results, otherwise called intangible dimensions of care. We reflect on the intersection between health professionals and patients in relation to illness and death drawing on the psychoanalytic concept of the unconscious. To this end, we document situations experienced in the field called clinical vignettes. Drawing on the theoretical framework, we consider the vectors biopolitics, ethics and affection to be core aspects of care. We conclude that there is a need for approaches to care that recognize the subjectivity of health care practice.

Keyword Bone marrow transplant; Health care team; Clinical ethics; Psychoanalysis; Specialist hospital care