Date Approved
2019
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Health Sciences
Committee Member
Irwin Martin, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Jean Rowan, MD, MS.
Abstract
An open and easy communication is the key to building doctor-patient relationships. It has become increasingly important for doctors to use the right language with their patients. Since doctor-patient communication may include complex technical language and/or medical terminology, it is often difficult for patients to understand their own diagnoses or treatment plans. The purpose of this research was to understand the relationship between physician use of medical terminology and patient satisfaction. An online research survey was sent to 250 random patients at selected clinics/hospitals during February 2019; responses were received from 39 patients. Questions were asked about the participants' use of primary care physicians and some questions regarding their familiarity with medical terminology. Survey responses showed that the use of common, simple language at patient visits plays a large role in building patients’ trust and understanding. Therefore, there is a need for doctors to use simple language with their patients when discussing their diagnoses or treatment plans.
Recommended Citation
Dabhi, Rutu, "Impact of physicians’ medical jargon use on patient behavior" (2019). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 985.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/985