Yesterdays
Age (Melbourne) has an article by the Health Editor, Julia Medew on how Dr
Sonia Fullerton has changed the way she writes information for her patients.
Dr Fullerton
has begun to write her Health Letter to the patient, and "CC' to the other
members of the Health team. The patient is the centre of the treatment, so the
Health letter is written to him. The patient has an opportunity to have a
greater understanding of the goals and direction for treatment. The
persons Health team will still understand the information.
In writing
her Health letter in this way, Dr Fullerton acknowledges she was concerned how
other members of the medical profession would respond to this means of communicating,
i.e. in Plain Language (removing Health jargon, and talking directly to the patient,
in a way the patient could understand).
This
concern is often raised by people when asked to consider or use Plain Language
or Easy English.
Why?
The purpose
of any written communication should be so the intended audience has an understanding
of the material. Those of us with good literacy, can feel we are not representing
our profession or skills properly if we do not use jargon based, and complex language
in our written communication. We are all guilty of it. However, keeping
in mind, the person at the centre of the communication is the consumer or
patient, will provide for greater awareness for us all, when we write.
This
is critical for all information, not just a Health letter or report.
Ask
a patient what treatment they prefer. Giving them a brochure with complex data
and Health information will not assist in their decision making. Every
person needs to be able to comprehend the information in a way that is meaningful
for them. Most people have not had years and years of training, and then
years of experience of a particular medical condition. Therefore, all medical
jargon and complex data needs to be removed. Using everyday language is
critical. This is not denigrating the patient.
Think about the bonuses.
The patient
has a better understanding of the
·
length or duration of treatment;
·
when to take self administered medication;
·
when appointments are;
·
potential side effects, and when to call you
or alert you to changes;
·
potential outcomes, both positive and negative;
·
reduced stress as they are aware of all of the
above.
It can
be hard to reduce the complex web of information and knowledge you have, into useful
consumer information. However the benefits, once you can do this, are amazing.
Talk
to Cathy about how to develop your current information into manageable and understandable information for
your audience.
Cathy
Cathy Basterfield
Speech Pathologist
Access Easy English
0466 579 855
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