Maybe the reason patients don ’t understand us is because we don’t speak in plain English

Recently, I was challenged by the mother of a trauma patient. She had read about traumatic spleen injuries online and was concerned about the risk a hematoma presented and wanted the ultrasound to look at the hematoma. I found myself floundering around trying to explain how this study was unnecessary. In frustration, I turned to my nurse practitioner and said, “Heather, can you translate for me?” This is a common problem. The failure to make legitimate health care information understandable or accessible to patients paradoxically lends credibility to the Google disinformation that is out there. There is no population for which clear, understandable communication is more critical than for infants suffering from complications of premature birth. Parents feel overwhelmed as expectations are crushed. There will never be the reassurance that their child lived a full life with no regrets. As a result, decision-making becomes all about the battle in front to them and not about the long-term view. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Hospital-Based Medicine Neurology Surgery Source Type: blogs