As medical providers, effectively communicating with patients is vital. Nevertheless, the terminology we use daily can confuse those lacking medical knowledge. Being aware of key terms and explaining them well supports patient understanding and outcomes.
Explain Common Medical Shorthand
We frequently use medical abbreviations and acronyms when taking notes or writing patient reports. While concise for us, common examples like “SOB” for shortness of breath, “MS” for multiple sclerosis or “OD” for once daily likely perplex patients. Get into the habit of verbalizing and translating any shorthand terms used when communicating diagnoses, instructions, treatment plans or other health details to patients. Additionally, the experts at Med Abbrev recommend providing decoded written translations of shorthand appearing in visit summaries and reports patients receive.
Clarify Diagnosis Details
Use everyday words to explain diagnoses, avoiding clinical terminology without immediately defining terms. Be specific, noting the affected body system, such as “You have a cardiovascular condition affecting your heart health known medically as myocardial ischemia. In layperson’s terms, your heart is not getting enough blood and oxygen.” Provide details of whether multifaceted conditions exist, addressing each affected area. Repeat the common name as you discuss symptoms, causes, testing, treatment, etc.
Define Medical Tests and Procedures
Don’t assume patients understand medical tests and procedures you order, whether imaging scans, lab panels, cardiac stress testing, nerve conduction studies, biopsies, or interventions like angioplasty. Always clearly define what they entail in basic terms, why they have been ordered, how to prepare, risks and benefits, follow-up needs, and next steps based on potential findings. Leave room for questions and provide educational materials for tests involved.
Explain Medication Details
Review prescribed medications thoroughly, as both brand and generic names can appear unfamiliar, and indications unclear based on the diagnosis alone. Clarify the intended effects of provided medications, why/how often they should be taken, for what duration and any notable side effects to watch for. Urge patients to voice any lingering questions about their purpose or concerns about costs, risks, or proper usage.
Avoid Ambiguous Terminology
Avoid vague verbiage when communicating with patients like “some discomfort,” “slightly elevated,” “your scan showed borderline areas of concern” or referencing mild, moderate or severe without quantifiable context. Instead, provide clear, actionable information regarding pain levels, definite lab value increases, scan results showing specific enlargement/masses and relating relative stages to functional impairment levels.
Address Follow-up Needs Clearly
Specifically discuss precise follow-up needs at each visit’s conclusion, whether scheduling a series of physical therapy, returning for wound checks, or requiring imaging and bloodwork prior to the next appointment. Detail appointment types needed, with whom and associated timing while assessing patient recall and emphasizing critical follow-up instructions within visit summaries they receive.
Use Teach-Back Technique
Employ the teach-back technique by systematically explaining a concept, asking patients to then rephrase your words, and re-clarifying any remaining knowledge gaps. Saying “Tell me in your own words what we just discussed regarding your diabetes medication” assesses understanding while reinforcing instructions through repetition without embarrassment if confusion persists.
Show Empathy and Patience
Display patience when repeatedly explaining terminology, responding to many questions, or needing to circle back to key information a few times during an appointment. Rushing conveys disinterest and prevents establishing rapport. Set an empathetic tone, acknowledging this stuff can be hard to grasp.
Conclusion
Clear communication requires conveying complex ideas simply. Define unfamiliar terms plainly, encourage questions, assess patient understanding throughout care, and show willingness to meet information needs at any knowledge level. When language barriers arise with certain patients, pursue translator services, so no key details get lost in translation. Consistently practicing patient-focused communication techniques improves satisfaction and results.
