Medical Jargon

My husband is an accountant and I am a nurse.  Both of these professions have their own jargon.  Jargon is a particular language used by a group of people or a profession.  If someone has not studied the profession the jargon may be confusing to them.   My husband is very knowledgeable about accounting and the jargon or language.  I on the other hand sometimes have no clue as to what he is talking about when referring to his work.  I let him talk and nod my head to acknowledge he is talking,  I let him vent and smile as if I really know what he does at work.  I have taken some accounting classes and I do take care of our bills and balance our budget.  However, I do respect and rely on him to understand that jargon that I just don't know.  It is what he has studied and spent many years doing.

I studied to be an R.N. and have knowledge of the medical jargon.  It does not mean I always understand everything in medicine.  The advancements in medicine are constantly changing.  The same can be said of the accounting profession  with the modern technology of computers.  Therefore, we both are always doing continuing education to keep up with the new technology.

In a conversation with the husband he told me it was important to him that I be present with him at medical appointments.  He relies on me to understand what is going on.  I have noted that at times he answered no to questions he was asked.  I wondered why and so I asked him if he understood what was asked.  I realized he did not understand the jargon.  I guess it would like an accountant asking me if  I had my directs done for the month.  I would say no since I have no clue what that is. 

My point is that so many medical problems are passed over with patients,  because we are using language that we are accustomed to and the lay person is not.  I try to pick up on the jargon my husband may not understand by watching his facial expressions.  I have to admit that sometimes I have anxiety myself and I am not paying attention.  My husband said he just waits to hear that his test are okay and then he admits he does not hear anything else. 

I am not sure there is an answer to the problem of understanding medical language at appointments for the lay person.  If the patient does not acknowledge that they don't understand then we assume that everything is okay.  I guess that is why it is important to have someone with you at appointments.  And, it is even better if that person understands the medical jargon. 

I have experienced this same misunderstanding of medical language with my dad.  I have been his extra set of ears at his appointments also.  He admits most candidly to his doctors that I am with him, because he simply does not understand what they are talking about.  He lets me know he is grateful that I am there to explain in simple terms or to let the doctor know he does not understand.

I guess as health care professionals we should never assume that our patients understand us.  Hopefully they will feel comfortable enough and not be intimidated to admit that they just don't understand.  And, hopefully we will not make them feel embarrassed with sarcastic remarks when they don't understand. 

Let us not be judged by what we do not know, but praise us for the courage and strength to ask and learn. 

Life is beautiful with a four legged friend who listens to me unconditionally !!

Elizabeth:)