Why Do Patients Misunderstand Their Doctors?

Literacy, “competence or knowledge in a certain area,” comes in many forms. Just as we call someone’s ability to understand the written word their reading literacy, we call the ability of a patient to understand medical information their health literacy. It’s not that easy to gain health literacy. Getting patients and clients to understand complicated healthcare information is challenged by the fact that some medical providers seem to speak in another language.

Oh yes, the message could be lost in translation when providers slip into “medicalese.” It’s an important language that distinguishes professionals within their industry, but it leaves the average Joe guessing as to what was just said. This presents a problem.

It is every healthcare professional’s intention to get their message across in the clearest way possible so patients and clients can successfully follow treatment plans, use medical devices, and make healthcare decisions. If the listener can’t understand a doctor’s language, then the chances of them achieving wellness are quite low.

To reach the average person and ensure understanding, medical providers need to speak on the client’s level. This doesn’t mean talking down. It simply means being clear in meaning, precise in tone, and simple in word choice. One quick way to ensure a client’s or patient’s understanding is to have them repeat what you said in their own words. If they can correctly do this, you know you have spoken on their health literacy level.

But breaking the habit of speaking medicalese can be hard, especially when doctors need to do so on additional levels. It’s not only what is said to patients that needs to be clear, it’s also what is written in the website content, blog, and other marketing materials. To help keep marketing messages clear, hire a freelance health and wellness writer who can help convey important health information accurately and on the level your clients and patients need.