Nearly half of patients do not understand medical language

[maureenho]

Nearly half of patients do not understand medical language
The Royal College of GPs found that nearly one half of patients struggle to understand the advice given to them by their doctor or know how to properly take their medication

43 per cent of adults fail to understand signs in hospital, leaflets and health guides, a study has found

By Sarah Knapton, Science Correspondent

5:54PM BST 18 Jun 2014

Medical language is so complicated that nearly half of patients do not understand it, leaving them at risk of serious conditions, the Royal College of General Practitioners has warned.

Even signs in hospitals are so complex that people miss appointments because they do not understand which department they should be in for their condition, the royal college warned.

Researchers at the RCGP found that one patient had failed to turn up for an x-ray because he did not understand the term ‘radiology’. Others wrongly thought a ‘chronic’ condition meant ‘serious’ rather than persistent.

The RCGP warned that in half of cases, medical professionals were overestimating the ‘health literacy’ of their patients, and patients felt too embarrassed to ask for clarification.

Patient groups said they found that people were often ‘confused and bewildered by medical jargon’ which left them unsure of what their condition was or how to take medication.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10909421/Nearly-half-of-patients-do-not-understand-medical-language.html

[JaneJ]

It doesn't help that they change the names of things so they sound grander and trendy!

You knew where you were if you were told you had a dose of the clap. Now it's chalamidia and other unpronounceable words!!!

do877

x

Ps i have never had the clap, it was an example not an admission!!!!  sp0

[Misspears]

I always write down what the doctor says,if I  don't understand I ask them to explain it to me,I'm one of these people people who want to know the ins and outs of the cats behind

Ann x

[JaneJ]

I have never heard that saying before Ann. It has tinkled me pink!!

[Rosalind]

I write things down and always make sure I understand what the doctor is saying. My doctor says, if I do not understand any letters from the hospital, to go and see him and he will explain it.
Like you Jane I have never heard Ann saying and it is along time since I heard tickled pink  452 452

[annie]

I am not surprised at this, they should speak in laymen's terms to make sure they are understood

[Misspears]

It must be a Manchester saying