Breaking Down Barriers with Jargon-Free Health Content

Angela McPhillips, DNP, RN

Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling overwhelmed or confused?

Did your healthcare provider use words that you didn’t understand?

This common patient experience can be distressing and leave you feeling frustrated. 

Health consumers want to feel informed and empowered when receiving healthcare or health information. But it’s hard to feel this way if your provider uses medical terms that you don’t understand. 

Health information is delivered in many ways. Health communication can be verbal by a healthcare provider. Or written in the form of patient education materials or online health information.

Health communication should be clear and accessible to all health consumers. This breaks down barriers, enhances understanding, and empowers health consumers to make informed decisions.

This blog post will provide the “why’s” and “how to’s” of simplifying medical language for health consumers. And how health writers can apply these pointers in their writing. 

The Impact of Complex Medical Words on Consumer Understanding

The average American reads at a 7th-8th grade level. So the average audience will need help understanding the medical jargon that you learned in college. 

A lack of understanding creates the potential for confusion. This is NOT something you want a patient or consumer to experience when it comes to their health. 

Not understanding health information creates barriers to informed decision-making. Confusion about self-care instructions, medications, and preventative measures can negatively impact a consumer’s health.

Common Complex Medical Words and Phrases to Avoid

Take your NTG sublingually when experiencing sxs of angina. Report adverse side effects of SOB, tachycardia, diaphoresis, or syncope immediately.   

Did you get all that? Yeah, I didn’t think so… unless you work in cardiology!

Let’s try a simplified, clear translation of those medication instructions. 

When you feel any chest pain, tightness or squeezing in your chest, place your nitroglycerin tablet under your tongue and let it melt. Call your doctor if you have any side effects when taking this medication, such as trouble catching your breath, a fast heartbeat, sweating, or feeling faint. 

Much easier to understand, right?

Words and phrases that are clear to healthcare workers may not be so clear for health consumers.

Find alternatives by using simple, common words – even if those words seem “childish”. For example, it’s ok to say “pee” rather than “urinate”!

Avoid abbreviations. Clarity is key. 

Here are some examples of words and phrases that may seem like a foreign language to an average health consumer.

Latin and Greek-derived terms

•Neuropathy
•Gastritis
•Angioplasty
•Enuresis

Technical terminology and abbreviations

•TIB/ BID / QID
•AFIB
•MRSA
•MMR
•SOB
•TIA

Jargon specific to medical specialties

•Cardiomyopathy
•Metastasis
•Tympanoplasty
•Colitis

Complex anatomical and physiological descriptions

•Anterior / Posterior
•Medial / Lateral
•Adductor / Abductor
•Transesophageal 
•Intervertebral

Why Simplifying Words Matters

Simple, clear health communication enhances accessibility for diverse audiences. Even health consumers who are well-educated with high literacy levels may be confused by complex medical jargon. 

A clear understanding of health information empowers individuals to take charge of their health.

Simple explanations lead to a true understanding of their health or health condition. This makes consumers more confident in making healthcare decisions for themselves and their families. 

Clear and simple health communication fosters trust between a brand and its audience. 

This trust converts readers to clients. 

Readers will feel empowered to follow through on a call to action when they truly understand why it benefits them and their health.

Strategies for Simplifying Medical Terminology

Use evidence-based resources and toolkits to simplify your health writing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Clear Communication Index is a great tool to help health writers and nurse writers reduce jargon and simplify their health writing. 

The National Institute of Health Style Guide is a repository of resources and suggestions to make your health writing accessible, simple, and clear. 

Here are some basic suggestions to get started in simplifying medical language in your writing:

•Use plain language and everyday terms
•Provide clear explanations and context
•Incorporate patient stories and testimonials
•Use culturally appropriate analogies and visuals to aid understanding

The Final Note

Clear and easily understood health communication is essential for health consumers to feel informed, empowered, and in charge of their health. 

If you’re a nurse writer or health writer, use simple words and avoid complex medical jargon. Doing so will enhance the reach and impact of your content.

Simplified health communication has the potential to positively impact the health and wellness of your audience. 

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