Call for medical professionals to use less jargon

Doctors and nurses should use less jargon when talking to patients, according to a survey that reveals one in five patients have taken the wrong amount of medication at least once.

Mon, 30 Mar, 2015 - 01:00

Kelly O'Brien

The report found 39% of patients would like their doctor, nurse or pharmacist to use fewer technical terms when talking to them, while 22% would like them to speak less formally. A further 18% want professionals to take more time explaining things.

The survey showed those aged 15 to 34 are least likely to ask for further explanation from a health professional, with embarrassment ranked as the main reason.

Almost half of those in that age group said the internet was their first port of call when looking to know more about a condition they had been diagnosed with.

The research, which was carried out last month, coincided with the launch of the Crystal Clear Pharmacy and General Practice Programme developed by MSD (Merck, Sharp, & Dohme) and the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA).

“Patients are calling for healthcare professionals to speak to them in a more understandable manner and the feedback we have had from pharmacies and general practices supports this finding,” said Brian Longstreet, managing director of MSD Human Health.

“Ensuring patients are better informed about their own health is key to delivering good health outcomes.”

The Crystal Clear programme has been developed to recognise the role of pharmacies and general practices in helping patients understand their health issues.

A Crystal Clear Mark will be awarded to pharmacies and general practices where there is a commitment to providing a health-literacy-friendly service.

“We are delighted to work with NALA to support the establishment of the quality mark which recognises those pharmacies and general practices which are actively taking steps to ensure that their facilities are planned in a way that makes it easy for patients to access information,” Mr Longstreet said.

Launching the programme, minister of state for primary care Kathleen Lynch said: “This new Crystal Clear mark recognises the important role primary care and community pharmacy plays in bridging the communication gap between patients and healthcare professionals and it is a welcome step towards improving overall health literacy levels in Ireland.”

To participate, pharmacies and general practices can log on to www.nala.ie/crystalclear. They will be required to fill out an online audit which will identify what they are already doing to support the literacy and numeracy needs of their patients, and point out what they could be doing better.

“We are delighted that pharmacists and general practitioners want to improve their services to become more literacy friendly,” said director of NALA Inez Bailey.

“This will ensure that important health information is better communicated and understood between health practitioners and the patients. This is an investment in better health outcomes for all people in Ireland.”