Return-Path: <nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id h4NF54C20922; Fri, 23 May 2003 11:05:04 -0400 (EDT) Date: Fri, 23 May 2003 11:05:04 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <DMEIJLLADPPBKLDOKDHGCENGCGAA.jdehlin@attbi.com> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Jill Dehlin" <jdehlin@attbi.com> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:3990] Re: New research on use of medical v lay language X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook IMO, Build 9.0.2416 (9.0.2910.0) Status: O Content-Length: 2633 Lines: 67 Other potential explanations for these findings on use of lay language: 1.) Sometimes, more complex terms, such as "gastroenteritis" or "tonsillitis" describe a phenomenon much more succinctly than less complex terms. Watered-down phrases such as "stomach ache" really don't get at the heart of true "gastroenteritis," as anyone who has had it will attest. Defining the term first, then using it in a sentence, has been advocated to help people understand medical terminology a little bit better. Of course, we must always make sure to check for understanding! 2.) Most people remember their mom telling them they just had a "stomach ache" and that it would get better. Doesn't "gastroenteritis" sound much more important that something your mom could diagnose? Wouldn't YOU think a doctor was taking you more seriously if he/she used a medical term than a "mom" term? :) Thanks for bringing this article to our attention, Cynthia, and thanks for letting me add my 2 cents! Jill Dehlin, RN, CHES PhD Candidate Learning Technology and Culture Michigan State University -----Original Message----- From: nifl-health@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-health@nifl.gov]On Behalf Of MarkH38514@aol.com Sent: Friday, May 23, 2003 10:25 AM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:3988] Re: New research on use of medical v lay language There are a couple of interesting perspectives on this study. One is that research shows that about 2/3 of patients who go to the doctor have nothing wrong with them. Being given a medical diagnosis using medical terminology might help patients believe that they are sick, because their problems are described using medical terminology. And if they're truly sick, they can be treated like patients or sick family members, with all the care and attention that goes along with the patient role. How many stomach aches do kids have because they don't want to go to school? Plus, being given a medical diagnosis for some patients may take away their responsiblity for taking care of themselves, either in terms of prevention or treatment. People may feel more comfortable hearing that they've got a throat problem--not a smoking problem. Let the doctor "fix" the problem, probably with a prescription. But the research does present some interesting higlights on the meaning and function of medical language vs. plain language. I wonder if the same results would be found with US patients? Mark Hochhauser For more information: Mark Hochhauser, Ph.D. Readability Consultant 3344 Scott Avenue North Golden Valley, MN 55422 Phone: (763) 521-4672 Fax: (763) 521-5069 E-mail: MarkH38514@aol.com
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