Medical jargon is source of confusion for non-physicians

Published on October 13, 2022

Imagine you’re in a foreign country and everyone is speaking a different language. That’s what it can feel like for patients when doctors use medical jargon. In a recent study, researchers investigated whether the general public can make sense of the complex terms that physicians often use. They discovered that specialty names and seniority titles are common sources of confusion. It’s like trying to navigate through a dense forest without a map! When doctors mention their areas of expertise or refer to their positions, patients may not fully grasp what they mean. This could lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication, making it harder for patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Understanding medical jargon is like learning a new language – it takes time and effort. To bridge this communication gap, healthcare professionals should strive to use plain language and explain medical terms in simpler terms. So next time you visit your doctor, don’t be afraid to ask questions and clarify any confusing terms. Knowledge is power, and understanding medical jargon puts you in control of your own health! To learn more about how researchers are tackling this communication challenge, check out the full article.

Researchers examined whether the general public understands the medical jargon that physicians typically use in their introductions to patients. They found speciality names and seniority titles are sources of misunderstanding.

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