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Enhancing Communication Related to Symptom Management Through Plain Language
Elaine Wittenberg1, Joy Goldsmith2, Betty Ferrell1
1Division of Nursing Research and Education, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
|July 12, 2015
Summary
Healthcare providers improved their communication skills using the Plain Language Planner for Palliative Care tool. This training enhanced patient health literacy for symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Health Literacy
- Medical Communication
Background:
- Symptom management is crucial in palliative care, requiring effective communication skills.
- Healthcare professionals need enhanced communication strategies for serious illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Plain Language Planner for Palliative Care tool.
- To assess provider communication about medication and symptoms using plain language.
Main Methods:
- A before-and-after educational intervention was conducted with 155 healthcare professionals.
- Written explanations of medication-symptom pairs were analyzed for plain language characteristics.
- Plain language scores were compared pre- and post-education.
Main Results:
- Provider training significantly improved the use of plain language in communication.
- Plain language scores were highest for senna (81%), lorazepam (77%), and amitriptyline (72%).
- The most notable improvement was observed in reducing the use of jargon.
Conclusions:
- Provider education using the Plain Language Planner tool increases plain language communication.
- The tool shows potential for improving patient and family health literacy in symptom management.
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