If you’re one of those who hate going to the doctor, know that you’re not alone. One of the many reasons why going to the doctor is not pleasant, besides the fact that the probability of receiving unwanted news is quite high and that many of us have the sensation of being on a roller coaster, one of the many reasons, I was saying, is that doctors use language that is often out of the ordinary, which causes us a sense of discomfort and inadequacy.
And no one likes to feel either sick or inadequate! This is why it is important to bring the medical language, the so-called jargon, closer to the common language. It’s true that sometimes you run the risk of oversimplifying, but here are some ways to simplify medical jargon without overdoing it! Enjoy the reading!
What is medical jargon?
Medical jargon is a specialized language used by healthcare professionals to communicate with each other. It often includes technical terms, abbreviations, and acronyms that may be unfamiliar to non-medical people. The use of medical jargon is prevalent in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, and it is typically used to convey precise meanings and information quickly and efficiently. However, it can be confusing and intimidating for people who are not familiar with it. Healthcare professionals, able to explain medical terminology to their patients in a way that is easy for them to understand, have more chances to be successful in their profession.
3 Reasons to avoid medical jargon with patients
Medical jargon is pointless for several reasons. Firstly, medical jargon can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications, as the patients may not understand what their healthcare professionals are saying. This can be particularly problematic in situations where it is important for patients to fully understand their medical condition or treatment plan.
Secondly, the use of medical jargon can create barriers between patients and healthcare professionals. It can make patients feel like they are not being treated as equals or that their healthcare professionals are not fully invested in their care. This can lead to a lack of trust and a breakdown in the patient-doctor relationship.
Finally, the use of medical jargon can make it more difficult for patients to advocate for their own healthcare and make informed decisions about their treatment. It is important for patients to be able to fully understand their medical options and the potential risks and benefits of different treatments. When medical jargon is used, it can be more difficult for patients to have a full understanding of their situation and make informed decisions.
Overall, it is important to avoid medical jargon whenever possible and to explain medical terminology clearly and concisely to patients in a way that they can understand.
Here are five tips to improve your medical communications
1. Transform passive sentences into active sentences
An active sentence is generally considered to be better than a passive sentence because it is clearer, more direct, and more concise.
In an active sentence, the subject of the sentence is performing the action. For example: “The cat chased the mouse.” In this sentence, the cat (the subject) is performing the action of chasing.
In a passive sentence, the subject of the sentence is acted upon. For example: “The mouse was chased by the cat.” In this sentence, the mouse (the subject) is acted upon by the cat.
Active sentences are generally clearer and more concise because they focus on the subject and the action being performed. They also tend to be more direct and engaging because they put emphasis on the doer of the action. Passive sentences, on the other hand, can be less clear and wordier because they require additional words to indicate the doer of the action.
Overall, it is generally recommended to use active sentences whenever possible because they are clearer, more direct, and more concise.
Here are some examples that show the difference between passive and active sentences: do you spot the difference?
Passive: The patient’s blood pressure was measured by the nurse.
Active: The nurse measured the patient’s blood pressure.
Passive: The surgery was performed by the doctor.
Active: The doctor performed the surgery.
Passive: The medication was prescribed by the pharmacist.
Active: The pharmacist prescribed the medication.
Passive: The wound was dressed by the nurse.
Active: The nurse dressed the wound.
Passive: The specimen was analysed by the laboratory technician.
Active: The laboratory technician analysed the specimen.
2. Simplify the abstract concepts by using metaphors and images
That’s so vital! It really makes the difference while speaking and here is why: the human brain is constantly seeking to make sense of the world around us, and one way we do this is by simplifying complex or abstract concepts using metaphors and images.
Metaphors and images are powerful tools for understanding and communicating abstract concepts because they allow us to connect new ideas with something that is already familiar to us. For example, if we want to understand the concept of love, we might use the metaphor of a journey to describe the ups and downs of a relationship. By using this metaphor, we are able to connect the abstract concept of love with something that is more concrete and familiar, such as a journey.
Using metaphors and images to understand abstract concepts also helps us to think more creatively and to see things from different perspectives. When we use metaphors, we are forced to think about an abstract concept in a new way and to make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. This can help us to gain a deeper understanding of the concept and to come up with new insights and ideas. Overall, it is necessary for the human brain to simplify abstract concepts using metaphors and images because it helps us to better understand and communicate these concepts, to think creatively and see things from different perspectives.
Here is a description of the neurons’ interconnections using a metaphor:
One way to think about the interconnections between neurons in the brain is to imagine a network of roads. Just as roads connect different cities and regions, neurons connect different areas of the brain. Just as roads can vary in size and function (for example, a major highway versus a small residential street), neurons can also vary in size and function. Some neurons may be responsible for transmitting information over long distances, while others may only connect nearby brain regions. Just as different roads may be used for different modes of transportation (such as cars, buses, and bicycles), different neurons may transmit different types of information (such as sensory input, motor commands, and memories). Finally, just as roads can have intersections and traffic signals to regulate the flow of vehicles, neurons can also have points of communication called synapses, where they can exchange information through the release and reception of chemical signals.
Can you see the image into your brain?
Here is a description of a cell using a metaphor:
One way to think about a cell is to imagine it as a tiny city. Just as a city has different neighbourhoods, a cell has different compartments called organelles. These organelles have specific functions, much like the different businesses and buildings in a city. For example, the cell’s “power plant” is the mitochondrion, which generates energy for the cell. The “recycling centre” is the lysosome, which breaks down and recycles waste materials. The “command centre” is the nucleus, which contains the cell’s genetic instructions. And the “transportation system” is the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, which transport materials within the cell. Just as a city depends on the cooperation and coordination of its different parts to function effectively, a cell depends on the cooperation and coordination of its organelles to function effectively.
Can you figure it out?
Here is a description of the heart using a metaphor:
One way to think about the heart is to imagine it as a pump. Just as a pump moves water or other fluids through pipes, the heart pumps blood through a network of blood vessels called arteries and veins. The heart has four chambers: the left and right atria, and the left and right ventricles. The atria are the smaller, upper chambers of the heart that collect blood and send it to the ventricles. The ventricles are the larger, lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out to the rest of the body. Just as a pump has an intake and an output, the heart has valves that control the flow of blood and ensure that it moves in the correct direction. The heart also has its own “power source,” the sinoatrial (SA) and atrioventricular (AV) nodes, which generate the electrical impulses that coordinate the heart’s contractions. Overall, the heart’s function is essential for maintaining blood flow and delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues.
Did you notice something while reading it?
3. Use a simple definition instead of the abstract concept
Here are a few examples of how you can transform abstract medical words into active and concrete medical concepts:
Abstract: Anemia
Concrete: A condition in which there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues
Abstract: Hyperlipidemia
Concrete: A condition in which there are too many lipids (fats) in the blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease
Abstract: Tachycardia
Concrete: A fast heart rate, which can be a sign of stress, anxiety, or an underlying medical condition
Abstract: Edema
Concrete: Swelling caused by excess fluid accumulation in the body’s tissues, which can be a sign of a medical condition such as kidney disease or heart failure.
4. Transform abstract medical words ending in -ion into active and concrete medical words or concepts
Here are a few examples of how you can transform abstract medical words ending in -ion into active and concrete medical concepts:
Abstract: Digestion
Concrete: The process of breaking down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed and used by the body
Abstract: Excretion
Concrete: The process of removing waste products from the body, such as through urine or faeces.
Abstract: Hypotension
Concrete: Low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness and fainting.
5. Simplify the medical definitions
Medical definitions can be hard to understand, and patients or people not used to medical terms and concepts can find them difficult to understand.
Here are two examples of very complicated against very simple definitions of the same concepts:
A formal definition of catechins:
Catechins are a type of flavonoid, which is a class of compounds that are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and are known for their antioxidant properties. Catechins are found in high concentrations in certain plant-based foods, particularly in tea, wine, and cocoa, and have been shown to have several potential health benefits. The chemical structure of catechins is complex, and they are composed of a variety of different chemical groups, including flavonoids, flavones, and flavonols, which all contribute to their unique biological properties. Catechins are thought to play a role in the prevention of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders, and they have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-viral effects.
A plain definition of catechins:
Catechins are a type of chemical found in plants that may have health benefits. They are often found in high amounts in tea, wine, and cocoa. Catechins are known for their antioxidant properties and may help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
A formal definition of skin cancer:
Dermal neoplasia, more commonly known as skin cancer, is a malignancy characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation and differentiation of epidermal cells. There are three primary subtypes of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, while the most common forms of skin cancer, tend to be of lower virulence compared to melanoma. These subtypes typically manifest as small, pink or flesh-coloured growths on the skin and can be effectively treated if caught in the early stages of development. Conversely, melanoma is a more aggressive subtype of skin cancer that originates in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigment production in the skin. It may appear as a dark, asymmetrical mole or as a new skin lesion and can disseminate to other parts of the body if not treated expeditiously. It is important to protect the skin from solar radiation and to regularly examine the skin for any changes that may be indicative of dermal neoplasia. If any unusual changes are observed, it is crucial to consult a dermatologist for evaluation and treatment.
A plain definition of skin cancer:
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably in the skin. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer and tend to be less aggressive than melanoma. They usually appear as small, flesh-coloured or pink growths on the skin and can be cured if caught and treated early. Melanoma is a more aggressive type of skin cancer that begins in the cells that produce pigment in the skin. It can appear as a dark, unevenly shaped mole or as a new spot on the skin and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly. Protect your skin from the sun and check your skin regularly for any changes that may be signs of skin cancer. If you notice any unusual changes, see a dermatologist for evaluation and treatment.
Can you spot the difference?
Conclusion
Here are a few tips for avoiding jargon in the medical field:
- Use plain language: Whenever possible, try to use language that is clear and easy to understand. For example, instead of saying “pulmonary embolism,” you could say “a blood clot in the lungs.”
- Define terms: If you do need to use a technical term, make sure to explain what it means. For example, you could say “a myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.”
- Use examples: Providing an example or analogy can help make a concept more concrete and easier to understand. For example, instead of saying “intravenous,” you could say “a medicine or fluid given through a vein, like a saline solution given through an IV.”
- Avoid acronyms: Acronyms can be confusing, especially for people who are not familiar with them. Instead of using an acronym, spell out the full term.
- Ask for feedback: If you are not sure if your language is accessible, ask someone to read your materials or explain a concept to you. If they have difficulty understanding you, it may be a sign that you are using jargon or technical language that is not necessary.