Eradicating Jargon Oblivion: Enhancing Patient Experience through Clear Communication

By Dr. Michael B. Pitt 
Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota |  Co-Director of the Clear Clinical Communication Research Group 

Introduction 

As clinicians, none of us went into medicine to confuse people. Yet studies on our use of jargon – the technical terminology of a given group – reveal that we consistently do precisely that. While providers overwhelmingly agree that using plain language is essential for effective communication – and we rate ourselves highly in our ability to do so –  it has been shown that we use terminology not understood by our patients as often as dozens of times per encounter. Clearly, we have jargon oblivion; we think we are speaking clearly, but we aren’t understood.  

Our Clear Clinical Communication Research group based at the University of Minnesota has aimed to help providers recognize and eliminate their jargon oblivion through a series of studies. In 2020, a colleague, Dr. Marissa Hendrickson, and I published a framework of seven categories of jargon that has been used to help clinicians recognize the types of words and phrases we use that often confuse patients. We have since evaluated patient understanding and preferences in multiple studies conducted at the Minnesota State Fair.  

Below we share the seven types of jargon and provide links to the studies we’ve performed showing laypeople’s misunderstanding. 

The Seven Types of Medical Jargon 

1. Technical Terminology 
   This is classic jargon – words or phrases that clinicians likely did not know prior to their medical training. In addition to disease and test names, even our own roles and titles can cause confusion. For example, only 20% of adults surveyed knew what a nephrologist was, with the most common wrong answer being a “death” doctor.
   
2. Acronyms and Abbreviations 
   Medical acronyms like “ED” (emergency department) or “PCP” (primary care physician) are rarely understood by patients. Even expanding into a literal translation can remain confusing, with 25% of patients not understanding what “nothing by mouth” meant as an instruction.
3. Medical Vernacular 
   This category includes words or phrases that may be familiar but are rarely understood. For example, almost no adults knew what the word febrile meant, with many falsely assuming it was related to how much fiber was in their diet.  
   
4. Medicalized English 
   Several words used in medicine can have an entirely different meaning in in everyday language. For example, “negative” test results are usually good, whereas negative restaurant reviews are bad. In one of our studies, 21% of adults thought that if they were told their tumor was progressing, that that would be good news (since progress is typically good).
   
5. Unnecessary Synonyms 
   Many times clinicians use complex terms like erythema, upper extremity, or ambulate instead of easily understood alternatives like red, arm, or walk.
   
6. Euphemisms 
   Providers may use euphemisms to soften the blow of things that may be difficult to hear. For example, many providers opt to avoid the word death or dying, choosing euphemisms instead, which may cause confusion for patients.  
7. Judgmental Jargon 
   Phrases like “denies alcohol use,” “non-compliant” or “failed treatment” may come across as judgmental and damage the patient-provider relationship. 

How to Reduce Jargon 

1. Self-Audit: Regularly assess your language for jargon. Refer to the various categories to identify terms you may be using that create confusion. 
2. Use Plain Language: Replace complex terms with simpler words. 
3. Explain Acronyms: Provide clear explanations when using abbreviations. 
4. Encourage Questions: Foster an environment where patients feel comfortable asking for clarification. 

Conclusion 
Eradicating jargon isn’t about over-simplifying but instead ensuring patients fully understand their health information. By addressing jargon oblivion, clinicians can enhance patient experience, trust, and care outcomes. 

About the Author:
Dr. Michael B Pitt is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota and is Co-Director of the Clear Clinical Communication Research Group. He is also the co-founder and CEO of Q-rounds, a rounding software that provides real-time updates to patients, families, and nurses about when to expect the doctors for rounds, giving families the opportunity to RSVP to join rounds remotely with one click when it is their turn.