Medical-speak and bedside manner

Let's face it - when people go to the doctor, they're usually at a heightened level of anxiety; either they're not feeling well or they're quite worried about something.

What they need at that point, are clear, concise explanations from their doctor and a little caring thrown in. So why is it that there are complaints that they receive neither? According to this article, Complicated medical lingo can confuse patients: researchers, there is still a big disconnect between what doctors say and what patients hear and understand.

In all fairness, it's not always only the doctors. I remember when I was working on a medical floor, a new nursing graduate went into an elderly patient's room and announced rather loudly that she was there to "take her vital signs." I have no idea what the patient thought, but all these years later I still remember how shocked I was. How many patients understand what "vital signs" are and what might an older confused patient think?

The other problem coming up is, unfortunately not new. According to this press release, National survey reveals 80 percent of Americans claim docs need better bedside manners, many doctors still aren't getting the message that showing a caring manner plays a big role in how patients perceive their healthcare and may affect how compliant they are with their care. While I don't have any facts to back me up, I think that maybe both complaints (complicated language and lack of bedside manner) are often seen in the same doctor.


Today at Help My Hurt:

Friday funnies for April 25
Nancy O’Dell, Tony Proudfoot, Angela Lansbury: something in common
Thursday musings
5 migraine blogs for you

News for Today:

Complicated medical lingo can confuse patients: researchers
FDA to review Lasik eye surgery
Greater wealth lowers risk of stroke, study finds
More doubts about echinacea for preventing colds
Knee and Hip Replacements Expected to Increase Dramatically by 2030
FDA Approves Once-Daily Lisdexamfetamine to Treat ADHD in Adults
National survey reveals 80 percent of Americans claim docs need better bedside manners
Study finds racial disparities in smoking cessation treatment
Smokers have a 41 percent higher risk of suffering depression
FDA Approves New Once-a-Month Dose of Actonel for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis