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The Language Labyrinth: Striking a Balance Between Plain Language and Precision in Health Care
Maxwell Baker Rafael Ortega
Learning Objectives 1. Understand the impact of medical jargon on communication in healthcare settings and its effects on patient outcomes, satisfaction, and healthcare costs. 2. Recognize the importance of using clear and plain language when communicating with patients and non-physicians. 3. Develop strategies to effectively communicate with diverse audiences while maintaining professionalism and respect.
Introduction Effective communication is an integral part of delivering quality healthcare; clear communication is required for building trust and understanding between healthcare providers and their patients. However, communication in the healthcare setting can be challenging, particularly when healthcare professionals with diverse communication styles work together, and patients come from various educational and cultural backgrounds. One significant barrier to effective communication is the use of medical jargon, which can hinder understanding and lead to lack of clarity. This chapter discusses the impact of medical jargon on communication in large urban medical centers and emphasizes the importance of clear and plain language when communicating with non-physicians. Medical Jargon and its Impact on Communication Medical jargon is specialized language used by healthcare professionals to communicate with each other, which may include acronyms, technical terms, and scientific terminology. While medical jargon is essential for clear communication between healthcare providers, it
can be a significant barrier when communicating with patients and non-physicians. The use of medical jargon can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and patient dissatisfaction, all of which can negatively impact patient outcomes. In large urban hospitals such as Boston Medical Center, patients come from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds, which can make communication challenging. Medical jargon can be particularly problematic in these settings, as patients may be unfamiliar with medical terminology, leading to miscommunication, decreased patient satisfaction, and increased healthcare costs. Patients who do not understand their medical condition or treatment plan may be less likely to adhere to their medication regimen, attend follow-up appointments, and/ or follow other recommended interventions. This can lead to increased hospital readmissions and poor patient outcomes, ultimately impacting the quality of care delivered. Clear and Plain Language in Healthcare To overcome the challenges associated with medical jargon, healthcare providers must use clear and plain language when communicating with patients and non-physicians. Plain language is a communication style that emphasizes the
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