How doctors can communicate clearly with patients

How doctors can communicate clearly with patients

Communication between doctors and patients is often a challenge. This can lead to uncertainty, particularly when doctors use technical terms that are incomprehensible to laypeople. Dr. In her column, Yael Adler gives valuable tips to bridge this gap.

The problem of technical language

Medical professionals operate in a world full of technical terms and jargon, which often leaves patients feeling left out. During medical training, there is often not enough emphasis on clear communication with patients. The use of Latin and Greek terms is historical because ancient medicine was formulated in these languages. This makes it all the more important that doctors learn to make complicated concepts understandable.

A practical example

A young athlete reports cardiac arrhythmias and visits a cardiologist. When diagnosed, it is given the worrying term “supraventricular premature beats with compensatory pause.” Instead of using this medical language and creating unnecessary fear, the doctor could offer a simpler explanation: "Your heart beats irregularly, but this is often harmless, especially for athletes like you. Let's investigate whether your mineral intake is OK and how we can support you." Such words create trust and reduce fears.

Strengthen doctor-patient relationships

The goal should be to improve communication between doctor and patient. Many doctors feel the need to demonstrate their competence, which is often perceived as arrogance. The challenge is to translate difficult medical terms into understandable language so that the patient is not only informed but also reassured. It can be an enriching experience if patients understand the explanations well and can therefore actively participate in their health.

An approach for better communication

A doctor's expertise is undisputed, but this should be paired with the ability to communicate information clearly and sensitively. Dr. Yael Adler is an example of a doctor who clearly presents complex medical topics. Her podcasts and books, which are on bestseller lists, show that it is possible to both inform and entertain. Instead of getting lost in medical terms, she has learned to adapt her expressions according to her audience's understanding.

Conclusion

Communication in medicine is crucial for patient well-being. Doctors should always strive to simplify language and show empathy. Only through understandable communication can patients better understand their health and actively work on it. It is the responsibility of medical professionals to share their knowledge - so that it is accessible to everyone.