Dive into the jargon jungle: how do you simplify complex healthcare information for better decisions?
- Using simple language instead of complex medical terminology to deliver correct data - Encourage patients to attend awareness events that help patients know more about their conditions - Utilize multiple methods of education, both digital and non. From brochures and medication diaries to educational website and social media groups, education can be delivered in various ways. Knowledge empowers patients to make sound and well informed decisions about their health.
Patients usually get overwhelmed by different medical terms . The route that should be followed is: ?using understandable terms that deliver the most easy explanation ?recommending different ways to make them familiar to medical terms and diseases ?building a communicable environment where the patient can deliver their concerns without fear
This is something we face a lot in Gastroenterology and providing prep instructions for Colonoscopies. - Having education provided at a 2nd grade reading level as well as multiple languages to support any language/cognitive barrier. - Having multiple modes of education. (Mail, quick text, MyChart(or equivalent), info review with staff, and documents with pictures for better grasp of context. - Having a call center or support system in place for questions that can get answered in a timely manner. I remember as a bedside nurse I would ask my patients during medication administration if they knew what I was giving them and why I was giving it. Providing further discussion based on answers and reassuring the patient it's ok to ask questions.
Always consider your audience. What is the average reading level? What language do they speak? What type of learner are they? Doing your research before creating healthcare information for patients increases the chances of them receiving the information. They can't make informed decisions if they don't understand the information.