Jargon Be Gone - Patient Preference in Doctor Communication.

Area of Science:

• Health Communication
• Patient Experience
• Medical Terminology

Background:

• Healthcare providers frequently use medical jargon.
• Patient preferences for clinician communication styles are less understood.
• Effective communication is crucial for patient understanding and trust.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the general public's preferences regarding healthcare communication styles.
• To compare patient perceptions of clinicians using medical jargon versus plain language.
• To explore reasons behind healthcare providers' use of medical terminology.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study involving 205 adult volunteers at the 2021 Minnesota State Fair.
• Participants completed a survey presenting two communication scenarios: one with medical jargon, one without.
• Survey included questions on doctor preference, descriptions, and perceived reasons for jargon use.

Main Results:

• 91% of respondents preferred the doctor who communicated without medical jargon.
• Doctors using jargon were described as confusing, technical, and uncaring.
• Doctors using plain language were perceived as good communicators, caring, and approachable.

Conclusions:

• Patient preference strongly favors clear, jargon-free healthcare communication.
• Avoiding medical jargon can improve patient perception of clinician empathy and approachability.
• Understanding patient communication preferences is essential for improving healthcare interactions.