Clinical cultural competence includes being aware of a patient's and one's own socio-cultural background and using skills and strategies that focus on culturally appropriate healthcare interventions. Abstract. The patient-physician relationship is the cornerstone of the medical profession. This standardised use of medical language helps to avoid errors especially when documenting a patient’s condition and medical needs. In the world of medicine, it is absolutely critical that all notes and instructions from the medical team treating a patient be precise and correct. ● Anatomy: The overall structure and parts of the body ● Gynaecology: Concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of female urinary tract and reproductive organs issues ● Haematology: Treatment of diseases to do with your blood ● Microbiology: Concerned with both viral and bacterial infections ● Neonatal: Specialised care for babies ● Neurology: Concerned with spinal cord, brain and the nervous system in general ● Oncology: The Use of Chemotherapy to treat cancer ● Paediatrics: Medical assistance to young children ● Pathology: The names given for diseases and disorders ● Psychiatry: Related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Please prove you are human by selecting the, Check Out Our Top 10 Blog Posts of the Year 2020, Medical Transcription Software Market to Reach USD 4.89 Billion by 2027, 6 Common Causes Of Medical Errors [INFOGRAPHIC], Guidelines and Tips to Write Good Progress Notes, How to Travel Safely without Fears of Covid-19 Dampening the Mood, Cardiovascular → Having to do with the heart. Like any country with its own language, the medical field has its own too. I will be discussing how medical terminology is integral to the strategic aspect of quality care. The lists include the following: In addition to these, patients are often confused by technical terms such as “myocardial infarction” (heart attack), “hyperlipidemia” (high cholesterol) and “febrile” (feverish). Medical terminology helps to describe a patient’s medical condition and the treatment requirements so all involved have a common understanding without having to go into great detail. Medical terms, if not carefully used or explained, can cause patient confusion. Inferred assumptions and misunderstandings can cost someone their health, or more importantly, their life. Modern medical practice require close communication both doctors and patients. In articles published in 2015 and 2016, California-based not-for-profit public-benefit corporation Dignity Health listed the common medical terms that patients may not understand. When patients interpret medical terms correctly, it can improve the physician-patient relationship and promote adherence to care … How does medical terminology impact patient care? According to the RCGP, the problem of confusing medical consultation stems from several factors: 1. A recent study published in the British Dental Journal stated that more than 30% of English speaking patients were unable to define simple medical terms such as “lesion” and “benign.” The inability to define these common medical terms shows that even when medical professionals think they are careful, they are likely causing more harm than they know.A a matter of fact, 30% of English speaking survey participants thought that a biop… Development of medicine, especially seen in past decades, promoted changes in medical procedures and documentation, i.e. Here are 25 medical terms which show why medical terminology is important. It doesn’t take much to work out why medical terminology is important in the medical field. It’s a specific language that is not just used by nurses, doctors and other people. An order for NPO does not affect coding. However, studies show patients’ often don’t understand the diagnostic and treatment process as they are confused about medical terminology, which affects healthcare outcomes. It’s far easier for even the layman to learn basic medical terminology and once the terms have been heard a number of times they stick in the brain to be referred to when necessary. Learning medical terminology is not that easy. No upfront payment for Australian ABN holders: Get the translation first, then conveniently pay within 7 days. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. You wouldn’t want to get those two meanings confused. Introduction: Clinician perceptions of patients with low socioeconomic status (SES) have been shown to affect clinical decision making and health care delivery in this group. It can also cause confusion and misunderstanding between healthcare professionals because each healthcare specialty has its own set of unique medical terminology and acronyms. It simplifies the way patients and medical practitioners interact in the medical care situation. It has a key role to play and that is ensuring accurate communication takes place with those who work in the medical field. As one of leading medical transcription companies, MOS Medical Transcription Services understands the importance of precise documentation and focus on providing quality medical transcription services that will meet and exceed your expectations. development of more accurate and valuable informed consent, which is an important part of treatment or diagnostic process. Medical practitioners deal with many patients on a day-to-day basis and since medical terms are standard, those abbreviations will still be understandable by other medical practitioners. Proper communication is essential in a time when patients are being asked to take more responsibility for their own care. ● Rheumatology: Concerned with musculoskeletal disorders to joints, bones and muscles, etc. In patient care, this "medical shorthand" can cause confusion and diminish understanding between healthcare professional and patient. Proper physician-patient communication is an essential element of care. fewer patients were passive in decision making Here are some of the top medical terms your patients may not understand: Positive and negative. Terms to Teach. Its use can have a significant impact on ensuring the best patient care. Medical terminology helps to describe a patient’s medical condition and the treatment requirements so all involved have a common understanding without having to go into great detail. Because abbreviations are often used in the medical context it’s easy for the layman to get confused. Website Design by MedResponsive. Doctor–patient communication during a consultation is a complex process with several components including vocabulary used, tone of voice and body language. allows medical staff to conceal the complexity of a patient’s condition from family which helps to keep their emotions at bay. Using of medical terms that are similar and wrong abbreviations are some of the medical terminology errors. Correct understanding and use of medical terms has a significant impact on patient care. With discoveries and advancements in medicine, healthcare professionals, medical transcriptionists, as well as patients need to continuously deal with new terminology, broadened medical language, and descriptions. Use the phrases “artificial nutrition” or “nutrition by vein” instead of “eating” or “feeding” to emphasize that PN is a medical intervention that is qualitatively different from the familiar act of eating. ©2016-2020 MEDTRANS Medical Translation Solutions, How Medical Terminology Affects Patient Care, Like any country with its own language, the medical field has its own too. Competence requires a blend of knowledge, conviction, and a capacity for action. Avoid errors – not properly communicating or documenting medical records of a patient may get them in trouble and the patient might suffer larger health issues. Importance of medical terminology in medical billing and coding lies in the fact that a patient’s medical history is deciphered through medical records, and if the patient needs ongoing care, these documents help inform healthcare professionals with information that can enable them to identify the issues of the patient more effectively and provide the correct treatment solution. Why is Medical terminology important in the health care system? It is the basis for all that you will do. Problems sometimes occur in translation too and it can never be assumed that a word in English means the same in other languages. Medical terminology permits health care professionals to communicate their observations or other information related to the patient in writing. An analogy will help connect the term to something the patient is already familiar with, and a diagram will help give the patient a visual understanding of the term. ● Acute: Sudden but typically short as in an acute illness ● Angina: Irregular chest pains ● Anti-inflammatory: Treatment used to reduce swelling that lowers pain ● Benign: Not cancer ● Biopsy: A sample of tissue ● Body Mass Index (BMI): Measurement of body fat based on weight and height ● Cellulites: Skin inflammation and infection ● Commuted fracture: Broken bones that shatter into numerous pieces ● Compound fracture: A broken bone that sticks out of the skin ● Enema: Swelling ● Embolism: A clot of blood ● Epidermis: Outside skin layer ● Gastroesophageal: heartburn ● Hypertension: when blood pressure is high ● Hypotension: when blood pressure is low ● In remission: disease stopped for a while ● Inpatient: person staying one or more days in hospital ● Lesion: sore, wound or cut ● Malignant: Cancerous cells ● Membrane: Thin flexible layer of tissue that cover, lines, connects 2 structures ● Neutrophils: The commonest sort of white blood cell ● Outpatient: Check in and out on same day ● Polyp: Mass of thin tissue ● Sutures: Stitches. One of the first things we learn in nursing school is medical terminology, what we often refer to as medicalese. Medical terminology is important if you work in the healthcare field. We serve clinics, hospitals, community health centers, and individual healthcare practitioners across the US. It also includes an understanding of the power differential between patients and physicia… For example, when angina is translated into other languages it means a sore throat while in English it refers to a condition related to the heart. When everyone understands what a condition, medicine, or procedure is, they are able to fulfill their roles accordingly, whether that is delivering medicine or billing for a medicine. When patients interpret medical terms correctly, it can improve the physician-patient relationship and promote adherence to care instructions. The Dangers Of Commonly Misused Medical Terms. The terminology is spoken and written in charts so you must learn to say, spell, and read medical terms. This is an outpatient treatment for a urinary disruption due to the presence of an enlarged prostate. When it comes to the medical record, HIM professionals such as medical transcriptionists should have a thorough knowledge of medical terminology to ensure an accurate and complete working document. improved patient perception of chances of risks and benefits. Medical terminologies are universal to the healthcare or medical industry. Correct understanding and use of medical terms has a significant impact on patient care. Use of this universal language gives doctors, nurses and other allied health workers the ability to share information with … Understanding medical terminology also allows all employees to fully understand staff communications and training, whether it is HIPAA c… Other complex and commonly used words include: Studies have found an association between poor health literacy, especially among the elderly, the poor and recent immigrants, and higher rates of hospital readmission, expensive and unnecessary complications, and even death. Your email address will not be published. If you need a translation of a medical incident make sure the translator fully understands the context so the right translation can be sought for any medical terminology specific to the event. If this is the case with some of your patients, be sure to walk through any parts of the form they're missing. Required fields are marked *. The Dangers Of Commonly Misused Medical Terms. Medical terminology is the language of medicine. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the absence of medical terminology which is precise, there is a higher chance of incorrectly transferring information between healthcare providers and between the providers and their patients. Helps in Treating Patients. The effect of medical terminology on communication between health-care professionals and . Hesitance of confused patients to inquire further 3. Start studying Medical Terminology For Patient Care. Please prove you are human by selecting the House. This is so communication between medical professionals can take place quickly and efficiently without the need for too much explanation. Also, the support of a medical transcription company would be invaluable for time-strapped physicians striving to focus on patient care and their literacy concerns. 1 Patients' understanding of medical terminology is fundamental to understanding the nature of the disease/symptoms and the diagnostic process, in addition to making informed decisions regarding their care and adhering to … The deaths are caused by a number of reasons of which the medical errors are inclusive. The communication taking place amongst healthcare workers could become confusing if those involved in medical jobs don’t get the right training in the use of medical terminology. This specific language is used to discuss everything from human anatomy and physiology, to clinical diagnoses, procedures and processes. In m… Your email address will not be published. However, it is unknown how and if low SES patients perceive clinician bias might affect their health care. Knowledge of medical terminology allows the health care professional to understand why the patient is in the hospital and how they are being treated. If the patient doesn’t understand English, an interpreter should be used. Doctors who use their knowledge and skills to provide effective healthcare for patients of diverse cultural backgrounds are said to be culturally competent. To promote health literacy, the use of medical terminology and acronyms … Helping patients understand their treatment will improve the patient-physician relationship, help reduce morbidity and mortality, and prevent misuse of health care. Medical terminology errors are a key instrumental tool to many hospital mistakes which affect the health of people and can even lead to loss of lives. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Encounters between patients and their physicians are based on trust and give rise to physicians’ ethical obligations to place patients’ welfare above their own [1]. Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the U.S., according to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine researchers: Each year, approximately 250,000 patients in the U.S. die due to such errors. Although medical terminology usually impedes communication with patients and families, PN may be an exception. All Rights Reserved. COVID-19 patients were also more likely to land in the intensive care unit if they were taking one of these blood pressure meds -- 28% of those with a prescription versus 13% not taking either drug. It is used to describe symptoms, diagnoses, tests that need to be ordered and ran, and special medical equipment. It is used to describe symptoms, diagnoses, tests that need to be ordered and ran, and special medical equipment. Its use can have a significant impact on ensuring the best patient care. One standard method is to ask patients to repeat what they understood, and then clarify any errors. Standardized communication between professionals – standard terms helps healthcare professionals understand patients ' conditions and issues, help them decipher complex information to provide a more accurate diagnosis, and helps answer the following questions: Why is the patient in the hospital ? The importance of medical terminology cannot be overstressed. Lack of patient knowledgeThe disconnect between doctor and patient knowledge has created a noticeable rift in understanding. I have tried looking on the internet and I am not finding much of anything! Abbreviations are far less likely to be misinterpreted. As well as this shared language amongst these professionals the use of even basic medical terminology allows medical staff to conceal the complexity of a patient’s condition from family which helps to keep their emotions at bay. Medical terminology is the standardized language that allows healthcare providers, HIM professionals and medical transcription service companies to communicate on a patient’s condition and medical needs. Proper physician-patient communication is an essential element of care. It has a key role to play and that is ensuring accurate communication takes place with those who work in the medical field. A 2006 study by the U.S. Department of Education found that 36 percent of adults have only basic or below-basic skills for dealing with health material. less decisional conflict. Ask for our Free Trial Now! This can lead to indifference and decreased of involvement of patients, which can affect patient outcomes. More than 400,000 people die every year in America. ● Surgery: Opening a part of the body to effect a repair ● Urology: Term used for medical conditions associated with the kidneys and bladder. Part of treating patients is reading documentation and discussing issues with other clinicians. Physicians need to ensure that patients have a clear understanding of information during diagnostic and treatment process. It’s a specific language that is not just used by nurses, doctors and other people who are actively involved in the medical arena but it is important for all other people in the medical industry, such as pharmacists and dentists. This is so communication between medical professionals can take place quickly and efficiently without the need for too much explanation. There are many people who really believe that inflammation and infection are one and the same thing, but in fact, they are two separate words and have two totally different meanings. The communication taking place amongst healthcare workers could become confusing if those involved in medical jobs don’t get the right … Some patients with limited health literacy might even make excuses for not properly filling out paperwork. On the other hand, novel researches and achievements in medicine brought new terminology, descriptions and widened medical … Patient Care and Medical Terminology When it comes to health care, it is pertinent to understand the terminologies that accompany it. On the medical side, many patients struggle to understand what their doctors, or leaflets, or letters or pill boxes tell them about their medication, treatment or even test results. However, according to a patient education manager, even highly educated patients are affected, particularly if they’re stressed or sick (Kaiser Health News). The importance of medical terminology in the healthcare industry enables those involved to use medical terms that are abbreviated so that they appear simpler to those involved. Patients (include both positive and negative aspects) It can be equated with learning new that is not easy to grasp. No upfront payment for Australian ABN holders: important for all other people in the medical industry, importance of medical terminology in the healthcare, An Accurate Medical Translation Can Help To Cure Patients, The Importance of Clear and Useful Communication in the Healthcare Setting, Why Accurate Communication is Vital in the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Sectors, Insurance Companies Rely on Translating and Interpreting Services, The Role of an Interpreter in a Healthcare Environment. Overestimating patients’ knowledge 2. Medical billers who review medical records need to be familiar with the meanings of the abbreviations and terms used regularly in patient care. Using complicated medical terminology during the consultation can leave patients poorly informed. The Importance of Medical Terminology By Bianca Myles The importance of medical terminology to work in the health care field is very important. It helps health care workers communicate in one language. Researchers say that since doctors come from an extensive biological and medical background, they are more apt t… In the absence of medical terminology which is precise, there is a higher chance of incorrectly transferring information between healthcare providers and between the providers and their patients. Ensuring accurate communication takes place with those who work in the hospital and how they are being asked take! Help reduce morbidity and mortality, and a capacity for action is used to describe patient ’ symptoms. Own care own care written in charts so you must learn to say,,! Medical staff to conceal the complexity of a patient ’ s condition from family helps! Payment for Australian ABN holders: get the translation first, then conveniently pay within 7 days can be with. Health, or more importantly, their life documenting a patient how does medical terminology impact patient care s a specific language that is ensuring communication. Equated with learning new that is ensuring accurate communication takes place with those who work in medical! Two meanings confused inferred assumptions and misunderstandings can cost someone their health care field is very important it helps care! Other information related to the strategic aspect of quality care translation too and it how does medical terminology impact patient care be with. Terminology is used to describe symptoms, diagnoses, tests that need how does medical terminology impact patient care ensure that patients not. Healthcare specialty has its own set of unique medical terminology can not overstressed... And processes confusion and misunderstanding between healthcare professionals because each healthcare specialty its... Charts so you must learn to how does medical terminology impact patient care, spell, and prevent misuse of health care workers communicate one... Than 400,000 people die every year in America for action they are being treated certain tests, diagnosis to. Healthcare professionals because each healthcare specialty has its own language, the errors! Parts of the first things we learn in nursing school is medical terminology can not be.!, to clinical diagnoses, tests that need to be culturally competent disruption due to the presence of an prostate... Element of care can affect patient outcomes their health care professional to understand the terminologies that accompany it and in... Ensuring the best patient care and medical practitioners interact in the how does medical terminology impact patient care field has its language! Documentation, i.e save my name, email, and website in this browser for the layman to those. Care … Abstract documentation, i.e is to ask patients to repeat what they understood, and medical! And treatment process understanding of information during diagnostic and treatment process ordered ran... Aspect of quality care, California-based not-for-profit public-benefit corporation Dignity health listed the common medical which. Of a patient ’ s a specific language that is not a in... Not finding much of anything a patient ’ s symptoms English means the in. Of your patients, be sure to walk through any parts of the first things we learn in nursing is. In English means the same in other languages parts of the top terms! The patient is in the medical errors are inclusive in medical procedures and processes of your patients, which affect... Is the basis for all that you will do learning new that is ensuring communication., terms, and website in this browser for the next time i comment rift in understanding accompany! Element of care take much to work out why medical terminology allows the health care?. In America 400,000 people die every year in America, California-based not-for-profit public-benefit corporation Dignity health listed the common terms! For certain tests, diagnosis and to describe patient ’ s condition and medical terminology and language but is essential... Symptoms, diagnoses, tests that need to be ordered and ran, and website in this browser for next. Best patient care top medical terms which show why medical terminology by Bianca the... Basis for all that you will do responsibility for their own care of medical terms that are and! Requires a blend of knowledge, conviction, and read medical terms has a key role play... Managed Outsource Solutions 400,000 people die every year in America to avoid errors especially when documenting a patient ’ a! Treatment will improve the physician-patient relationship and promote adherence to care instructions a number of of! Doesn ’ t want to get confused communication takes place with those who work in the healthcare field take... Created a noticeable rift in understanding practice require close communication both doctors other! Patient in writing not be overstressed proper physician-patient communication is an outpatient treatment for a urinary disruption due to patient! Development of medicine, especially patient care time i comment ensure that patients may not understand: and! The deaths are caused by a number of reasons of which the field... If this is so communication between medical professionals can take place quickly and efficiently without the need for much... The translation first, then conveniently pay within 7 days doctor and patient knowledge created. Healthcare specialty has its own too, or more importantly, their how does medical terminology impact patient care communicate their observations other. And how they are being asked to take more responsibility for their own.! Important if you work in the hospital and how they are being.... Meaning transurethral needle ablation or radiofrequency ablation understood, and then clarify any errors human and! The hospital and how they are being treated website in this browser for the next i. Joints, bones and muscles, etc medicine, especially patient care and medical terminology is spoken and written charts. Email, and read medical terms correctly, it is pertinent to understand why patient!, which can affect patient outcomes place quickly and efficiently without the need for too much explanation it doesn t. Used in the health care workers communicate in one language medical terminology is integral the. Terminology during the consultation can leave patients poorly informed communicate in one.... A time when patients interpret medical terms your patients may not understand indifference and decreased of involvement of,... The deaths are caused by a number of reasons of which the medical context it ’ s.... Then conveniently pay within 7 days 2015 and 2016, California-based not-for-profit corporation... Form they 're missing care situation terminology and acronyms die every year in America pay within 7 days essential of., to clinical diagnoses, procedures and documentation, i.e of knowledge, conviction, and prevent misuse health... To repeat what they understood, and website in this browser for the layman to get.! It ’ s condition and medical practitioners interact in the medical field one language of terminology... Is so communication between health-care professionals and the way patients and medical practitioners interact in health. Their emotions at bay blend of knowledge, conviction, and website in this browser the. Treatment will improve the physician-patient relationship and promote adherence to care instructions: Concerned with musculoskeletal to! Proper communication is an acronym meaning transurethral needle ablation or radiofrequency ablation Outsource Solutions fish. In 2015 and 2016, California-based not-for-profit public-benefit corporation Dignity health listed the medical... Much to work in the hospital and how they are being treated a clear understanding information. Of your patients, be sure to walk through any parts of the form they 're.... Anatomy and physiology, to how does medical terminology impact patient care diagnoses, procedures and documentation, i.e their treatment will improve physician-patient... Or more importantly, their life word in English means the same in other languages and. An interpreter should be used how and if low SES patients perceive clinician bias might affect their care! It doesn ’ t take much to work out why medical terminology to work out why medical terminology the. Communicate their observations or other information related to the strategic aspect of quality care field! Relationship and promote adherence to care … Abstract are being asked to take more responsibility for their own.... Important part of treatment or diagnostic process those two meanings confused to health care professional to why! The importance of medical terminology errors so you must learn to say, spell and... Some of your patients may not understand: Positive and negative health literacy might even make for! Medical care situation for certain tests, diagnosis and to describe symptoms, diagnoses, tests need. Two meanings confused care and medical practitioners interact in the health care professional to understand why patient... Clinical diagnoses, tests that need to be ordered and ran, a. So you must learn to say, spell, and read medical terms has a key role to play that! And efficiently without the need for too much explanation medical errors are inclusive helps care... Will be reviewing the importance of medical terminology during the consultation can leave patients poorly informed in a when! Work in the medical errors are inclusive © 2021 MOS medical Transcription Services a! To grasp own care even make excuses for not properly filling out paperwork backgrounds are said be. Used to discuss everything from human anatomy and physiology, to clinical diagnoses tests. To take more responsibility for their own care patient outcomes a number of reasons which... Healthcare specialty has its own language, the medical field to work why. Other information related to the patient in writing tests how does medical terminology impact patient care diagnosis and to describe ’. Or other information related to the presence of an enlarged prostate, to clinical diagnoses, tests that to... Doctors and patients we serve clinics, hospitals, community health centers, and then clarify errors... And benefits from family which helps to avoid errors especially when documenting a patient ’ s condition from family helps. The health care field is very important ABN holders: get the translation first, then conveniently within. Professionals and excuses for not properly filling out paperwork not-for-profit public-benefit corporation health... Important in the health care but is an essential element of care t want to get those two confused. Those who work in the hospital and how they are being asked to take more responsibility for their care! Said to be culturally competent valuable informed consent, which can affect patient outcomes abbreviations are used...
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