According to a January 2007 New York Times article, 90 million Americans have difficulty understanding basic health information. National studies show that health illiteracy - the difficulty of understanding medical talk - "affects people of all ages, races, income and education levels".
Severe medical consequences and higher medical costs may occur when we cannot understand a doctor.
Download and read the article here (PDF)
With a lack of comprehension, people cannot effectively take their medicine and follow important medical care.
When was the last time you looked at a bottle of prescription medicine? The warning labels are often written in short, unclear English.
For example, "Do not chew or crush, Swallow whole" could be understood as "Don't swallow whole or you might choke."
"Plain English in the physician's office is crucial to good health", the article says. When doctors use effective communication and take time to explain, patients will understand their treatments and prescribed medical regime.
Doctors often have busy schedules and see patients one after the other. In a short amount of time with their patients, they diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication. Do doctors take time to slow down the communication process to ask questions and clearly explain medical problems and treatment?
Doctors often have busy schedules and see patients one after the other. In a short amount of time with their patients, they diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication. Do doctors take time to slow down the communication process to ask questions and clearly explain medical problems and treatment?
It is imperative to educate doctors and medical students so they can facilitate clear, effective communication that patients understand and appreciate.
You cannot depend on your doctor to explain details to you. It is important to be proactive. You must "R&R" - Repeat and Rephrase.
- Ask your doctor clear and precise questions if you do not understand.
- Ask your doctor to slow down the communication process and repeat and rephrase in clear English.
- Repeat and rephrase your doctor's instructions in your own words to be sure you understand them.
"R&R" - Repeating and rephrasing may save your life!
To conclude this post, a dear friend of mine sent me a poem that relates to this subject. My friend, Julie Freelove-Charton, PhD, a gerontologist who specializes in public health and end-of-life care, advocates clear communication and anti-ageism.
Crabby Old Man
What do you see, my friends, what do you see... what are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, one not very wise, uncertain of habit, with far away eyes. Who dribbles his food and makes no reply... when you say in a loud voice, "I wish you'd try?" Who seems not to notice the things that you do, and forever is losing a sock or shoe. Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will... with bathing and feeding, the long day to fill.
A crabby old man, one not very wise, uncertain of habit, with far away eyes. Who dribbles his food and makes no reply... when you say in a loud voice, "I wish you'd try?" Who seems not to notice the things that you do, and forever is losing a sock or shoe. Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will... with bathing and feeding, the long day to fill.
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see? Then open your eyes my friends, you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still, as I live at your bidding, as I enjoy company at your will. I'm a small child of ten with a father and mother, brothers and sisters, who love one another.
A young boy of sixteen, a football in his hands and with wings on his feet, dreaming that soon now a lover he'll meet.
A marine soon at eighteen -- my heart gives a leap, remembering the oath that I promised to keep. At twenty-five now, I have a platoon of my own, 'who need me to guide them and secure a trip home.
A man of thirty, my youth now going too fast, hopefully bound to others with ties that should last.
At fifty my daughter and sons have grown and are gone, and I have no one beside me to see I don't mourn.
At sixty no more babies play round my knee, again I know heartbreak, my loneliness and me. Dark days are upon me, my dreams are all dead; I look at the future, I shudder with dread. For my young are all rearing young of their own, and I think of the years and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man and nature is cruel; 'tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart, there is now a stone where I once had a heart. But inside this old carcass a young man still dwells, and now and again my battered heart swells. I remember the joys, I remember the pain, and I'm loving and living life over again.
I think of the years; all too few. Gone too fast, and accept the stark fact that nothing can last. So open your eyes, my friends, open and see, not a crabby old man; look closer -- see ME!!
- Anonymous
