In patient care, this "medical shorthand" can cause confusion and diminish understanding between healthcare professional and patient. To promote health literacy, the use of medical terminology and acronyms … I will be discussing how medical terminology is integral to the strategic aspect of quality care. Abstract. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the U.S., according to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine researchers: Each year, approximately 250,000 patients in the U.S. die due to such errors. Lack of patient knowledgeThe disconnect between doctor and patient knowledge has created a noticeable rift in understanding. Medical terminology is used for certain tests, diagnosis and to describe patient’s symptoms. The Importance of Medical Terminology By Bianca Myles The importance of medical terminology to work in the health care field is very important. Copyright © 2021 MOS Medical Transcription Services, a service by Managed Outsource Solutions. Importance of medical terminology in medical billing and coding lies in the fact that a patient’s medical history is deciphered through medical records, and if the patient needs ongoing care, these documents help inform healthcare professionals with information that can enable them to identify the issues of the patient more effectively and provide the correct treatment solution. Inferred assumptions and misunderstandings can cost someone their health, or more importantly, their life. The lists include the following: In addition to these, patients are often confused by technical terms such as “myocardial infarction” (heart attack), “hyperlipidemia” (high cholesterol) and “febrile” (feverish). Use the phrases “artificial nutrition” or “nutrition by vein” instead of “eating” or “feeding” to emphasize that PN is a medical intervention that is qualitatively different from the familiar act of eating. The effect of medical terminology on communication between health-care professionals and . Development of medicine, especially seen in past decades, promoted changes in medical procedures and documentation, i.e. Patient Care and Medical Terminology When it comes to health care, it is pertinent to understand the terminologies that accompany it. As well as this shared language amongst these professionals the use of even basic medical terminology allows medical staff to conceal the complexity of a patient’s condition from family which helps to keep their emotions at bay. An analogy will help connect the term to something the patient is already familiar with, and a diagram will help give the patient a visual understanding of the term. Medical terminology errors are a key instrumental tool to many hospital mistakes which affect the health of people and can even lead to loss of lives. A recent study published in the British Dental Journal stated that more than 30% of English speaking patients were unable to define simple medical terms such as “lesion” and “benign.” The inability to define these common medical terms shows that even when medical professionals think they are careful, they are likely causing more harm than they know.A a matter of fact, 30% of English speaking survey participants thought that a biop… fewer patients were passive in decision making If the patient doesn’t understand English, an interpreter should be used. Proper physician-patient communication is an essential element of care. There are many people who really believe that inflammation and infection are one and the same thing, but in fact, they are two separate words and have two totally different meanings. The communication taking place amongst healthcare workers could become confusing if those involved in medical jobs don’t get the right … Use of this universal language gives doctors, nurses and other allied health workers the ability to share information with … I have tried looking on the internet and I am not finding much of anything! Problems sometimes occur in translation too and it can never be assumed that a word in English means the same in other languages. Medical terminology helps to describe a patient’s medical condition and the treatment requirements so all involved have a common understanding without having to go into great detail. The communication taking place amongst healthcare workers could become confusing if those involved in medical jobs don’t get the right training in the use of medical terminology. Correct understanding and use of medical terms has a significant impact on patient care. Some patients with limited health literacy might even make excuses for not properly filling out paperwork. It’s a specific language that is not just used by nurses, doctors and other people. Abbreviations are far less likely to be misinterpreted. Part of treating patients is reading documentation and discussing issues with other clinicians. When everyone understands what a condition, medicine, or procedure is, they are able to fulfill their roles accordingly, whether that is delivering medicine or billing for a medicine. A 2006 study by the U.S. Department of Education found that 36 percent of adults have only basic or below-basic skills for dealing with health material. However, studies show patients’ often don’t understand the diagnostic and treatment process as they are confused about medical terminology, which affects healthcare outcomes. It helps health care workers communicate in one language. Ask for our Free Trial Now! Your email address will not be published. Avoid errors – not properly communicating or documenting medical records of a patient may get them in trouble and the patient might suffer larger health issues. Why is Medical terminology important in the health care system? Understanding medical terminology also allows all employees to fully understand staff communications and training, whether it is HIPAA c… We serve clinics, hospitals, community health centers, and individual healthcare practitioners across the US. It has a key role to play and that is ensuring accurate communication takes place with those who work in the medical field. Helps in Treating Patients. Introduction: Clinician perceptions of patients with low socioeconomic status (SES) have been shown to affect clinical decision making and health care delivery in this group. It’s far easier for even the layman to learn basic medical terminology and once the terms have been heard a number of times they stick in the brain to be referred to when necessary. No upfront payment for Australian ABN holders: important for all other people in the medical industry, importance of medical terminology in the healthcare, An Accurate Medical Translation Can Help To Cure Patients, The Importance of Clear and Useful Communication in the Healthcare Setting, Why Accurate Communication is Vital in the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Sectors, Insurance Companies Rely on Translating and Interpreting Services, The Role of an Interpreter in a Healthcare Environment. Medical terminology is the standardized language that allows healthcare providers, HIM professionals and medical transcription service companies to communicate on a patient’s condition and medical needs. The importance of medical terminology in patient care cannot be underestimated as it ensures a common terminology is used across the different areas of medicine. Clinical cultural competence includes being aware of a patient's and one's own socio-cultural background and using skills and strategies that focus on culturally appropriate healthcare interventions. In articles published in 2015 and 2016, California-based not-for-profit public-benefit corporation Dignity Health listed the common medical terms that patients may not understand. In the absence of medical terminology which is precise, there is a higher chance of incorrectly transferring information between healthcare providers and between the providers and their patients. Terms to Teach. 1 Patients' understanding of medical terminology is fundamental to understanding the nature of the disease/symptoms and the diagnostic process, in addition to making informed decisions regarding their care and adhering to … Standardized communication between professionals – standard terms helps healthcare professionals understand patients ' conditions and issues, help them decipher complex information to provide a more accurate diagnosis, and helps answer the following questions: Why is the patient in the hospital ? Also, the support of a medical transcription company would be invaluable for time-strapped physicians striving to focus on patient care and their literacy concerns. However, according to a patient education manager, even highly educated patients are affected, particularly if they’re stressed or sick (Kaiser Health News). A Cochrane systematic review evaluated the impact of patient decision aids across a number of dimensions, 29 concluding that decision aids were better than usual care in terms of: improved patient knowledge. Hesitance of confused patients to inquire further 3. It simplifies the way patients and medical practitioners interact in the medical care situation. Overestimating patients’ knowledge 2. ● Surgery: Opening a part of the body to effect a repair ● Urology: Term used for medical conditions associated with the kidneys and bladder. Please prove you are human by selecting the, Check Out Our Top 10 Blog Posts of the Year 2020, Medical Transcription Software Market to Reach USD 4.89 Billion by 2027, 6 Common Causes Of Medical Errors [INFOGRAPHIC], Guidelines and Tips to Write Good Progress Notes, How to Travel Safely without Fears of Covid-19 Dampening the Mood, Cardiovascular → Having to do with the heart. ● Anatomy: The overall structure and parts of the body ● Gynaecology: Concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of female urinary tract and reproductive organs issues ● Haematology: Treatment of diseases to do with your blood ● Microbiology: Concerned with both viral and bacterial infections ● Neonatal: Specialised care for babies ● Neurology: Concerned with spinal cord, brain and the nervous system in general ● Oncology: The Use of Chemotherapy to treat cancer ● Paediatrics: Medical assistance to young children ● Pathology: The names given for diseases and disorders ● Psychiatry: Related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. This is so communication between medical professionals can take place quickly and efficiently without the need for too much explanation. It can also cause confusion and misunderstanding between healthcare professionals because each healthcare specialty has its own set of unique medical terminology and acronyms. With discoveries and advancements in medicine, healthcare professionals, medical transcriptionists, as well as patients need to continuously deal with new terminology, broadened medical language, and descriptions. Your email address will not be published. The Dangers Of Commonly Misused Medical Terms. ● Rheumatology: Concerned with musculoskeletal disorders to joints, bones and muscles, etc. Using complicated medical terminology during the consultation can leave patients poorly informed. On the other hand, novel researches and achievements in medicine brought new terminology, descriptions and widened medical … Doctors who use their knowledge and skills to provide effective healthcare for patients of diverse cultural backgrounds are said to be culturally competent. This specific language is used to discuss everything from human anatomy and physiology, to clinical diagnoses, procedures and processes. Medical terminology is important if you work in the healthcare field. This is an outpatient treatment for a urinary disruption due to the presence of an enlarged prostate. Its use can have a significant impact on ensuring the best patient care. The importance of medical terminology in the healthcare industry enables those involved to use medical terms that are abbreviated so that they appear simpler to those involved. Encounters between patients and their physicians are based on trust and give rise to physicians’ ethical obligations to place patients’ welfare above their own [1]. Website Design by MedResponsive. Learning medical terminology is not that easy. Please prove you are human by selecting the House. Here are some of the top medical terms your patients may not understand: Positive and negative. I will be reviewing the importance of medical terminology when it comes to health care, especially patient care. development of more accurate and valuable informed consent, which is an important part of treatment or diagnostic process. You wouldn’t want to get those two meanings confused. Required fields are marked *. Doctor–patient communication during a consultation is a complex process with several components including vocabulary used, tone of voice and body language. It is the basis for all that you will do. Knowledge of medical terminology allows the health care professional to understand why the patient is in the hospital and how they are being treated. ©2016-2020 MEDTRANS Medical Translation Solutions, How Medical Terminology Affects Patient Care, Like any country with its own language, the medical field has its own too. The deaths are caused by a number of reasons of which the medical errors are inclusive. How does medical terminology impact patient care? It doesn’t take much to work out why medical terminology is important in the medical field. Helping patients understand their treatment will improve the patient-physician relationship, help reduce morbidity and mortality, and prevent misuse of health care. Other complex and commonly used words include: Studies have found an association between poor health literacy, especially among the elderly, the poor and recent immigrants, and higher rates of hospital readmission, expensive and unnecessary complications, and even death. It also includes an understanding of the power differential between patients and physicia… No upfront payment for Australian ABN holders: Get the translation first, then conveniently pay within 7 days. Proper communication is essential in a time when patients are being asked to take more responsibility for their own care. An order for NPO does not affect coding. When patients interpret medical terms correctly, it can improve the physician-patient relationship and promote adherence to care instructions. In the world of medicine, it is absolutely critical that all notes and instructions from the medical team treating a patient be precise and correct. Its use can have a significant impact on ensuring the best patient care. Patients (include both positive and negative aspects) This standardised use of medical language helps to avoid errors especially when documenting a patient’s condition and medical needs. Correct understanding and use of medical terms has a significant impact on patient care. Medical terminology permits health care professionals to communicate their observations or other information related to the patient in writing. For example, when angina is translated into other languages it means a sore throat while in English it refers to a condition related to the heart. In the absence of medical terminology which is precise, there is a higher chance of incorrectly transferring information between healthcare providers and between the providers and their patients. Medical terminologies are universal to the healthcare or medical industry. The patient-physician relationship is the cornerstone of the medical profession. allows medical staff to conceal the complexity of a patient’s condition from family which helps to keep their emotions at bay. less decisional conflict. Although medical terminology usually impedes communication with patients and families, PN may be an exception. When patients interpret medical terms correctly, it can improve the physician-patient relationship and promote adherence to care … Researchers say that since doctors come from an extensive biological and medical background, they are more apt t… Start studying Medical Terminology For Patient Care. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Medical terminology helps to describe a patient’s medical condition and the treatment requirements so all involved have a common understanding without having to go into great detail. As one of leading medical transcription companies, MOS Medical Transcription Services understands the importance of precise documentation and focus on providing quality medical transcription services that will meet and exceed your expectations. Because abbreviations are often used in the medical context it’s easy for the layman to get confused. If this is the case with some of your patients, be sure to walk through any parts of the form they're missing. Using of medical terms that are similar and wrong abbreviations are some of the medical terminology errors. More than 400,000 people die every year in America. It has a key role to play and that is ensuring accurate communication takes place with those who work in the medical field. The Dangers Of Commonly Misused Medical Terms. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. ● Acute: Sudden but typically short as in an acute illness ● Angina: Irregular chest pains ● Anti-inflammatory: Treatment used to reduce swelling that lowers pain ● Benign: Not cancer ● Biopsy: A sample of tissue ● Body Mass Index (BMI): Measurement of body fat based on weight and height ● Cellulites: Skin inflammation and infection ● Commuted fracture: Broken bones that shatter into numerous pieces ● Compound fracture: A broken bone that sticks out of the skin ● Enema: Swelling ● Embolism: A clot of blood ● Epidermis: Outside skin layer ● Gastroesophageal: heartburn ● Hypertension: when blood pressure is high ● Hypotension: when blood pressure is low ● In remission: disease stopped for a while ● Inpatient: person staying one or more days in hospital ● Lesion: sore, wound or cut ● Malignant: Cancerous cells ● Membrane: Thin flexible layer of tissue that cover, lines, connects 2 structures ● Neutrophils: The commonest sort of white blood cell ● Outpatient: Check in and out on same day ● Polyp: Mass of thin tissue ● Sutures: Stitches. One standard method is to ask patients to repeat what they understood, and then clarify any errors. Medical terms help describe the medical … In m… This can lead to indifference and decreased of involvement of patients, which can affect patient outcomes. It’s a specific language that is not just used by nurses, doctors and other people who are actively involved in the medical arena but it is important for all other people in the medical industry, such as pharmacists and dentists. Another purpose of Medical Terminology is that it can help to reduce errors from poor communication or poor documentation this ensures staff can quickly and accurately review a patient’s medical history and begin diagnosing and treating them whilst ensuring staff are aware of any allergies the patient may have. Medical terms, if not carefully used or explained, can cause patient confusion. COVID-19 patients were also more likely to land in the intensive care unit if they were taking one of these blood pressure meds -- 28% of those with a prescription versus 13% not taking either drug. If you need a translation of a medical incident make sure the translator fully understands the context so the right translation can be sought for any medical terminology specific to the event. It can be equated with learning new that is not easy to grasp. According to the RCGP, the problem of confusing medical consultation stems from several factors: 1. The importance of medical terminology cannot be overstressed. Medical billers who review medical records need to be familiar with the meanings of the abbreviations and terms used regularly in patient care. On the medical side, many patients struggle to understand what their doctors, or leaflets, or letters or pill boxes tell them about their medication, treatment or even test results. All Rights Reserved. One of the first things we learn in nursing school is medical terminology, what we often refer to as medicalese. improved patient perception of chances of risks and benefits. Like any country with its own language, the medical field has its own too. It is used to describe symptoms, diagnoses, tests that need to be ordered and ran, and special medical equipment. Medical terminology allows all medical professionals to understand each other and communicate effectively. Medical terminology is the language of medicine. Continuous quality improvement is the hallmark of established medical transcription outsourcing companies where teams make extensive use of reference material to help providers ensure quality documentation in the electronic health record. The terminology is spoken and written in charts so you must learn to say, spell, and read medical terms. It is used to describe symptoms, diagnoses, tests that need to be ordered and ran, and special medical equipment. Medical practitioners deal with many patients on a day-to-day basis and since medical terms are standard, those abbreviations will still be understandable by other medical practitioners. However, it is unknown how and if low SES patients perceive clinician bias might affect their health care. This is so communication between medical professionals can take place quickly and efficiently without the need for too much explanation. Proper physician-patient communication is an essential element of care. For example, TUNA is not a fish in medical terminology and language but is an acronym meaning transurethral needle ablation or radiofrequency ablation. When it comes to the medical record, HIM professionals such as medical transcriptionists should have a thorough knowledge of medical terminology to ensure an accurate and complete working document. Here are 25 medical terms which show why medical terminology is important. Physicians need to ensure that patients have a clear understanding of information during diagnostic and treatment process. Modern medical practice require close communication both doctors and patients. Competence requires a blend of knowledge, conviction, and a capacity for action. Assumed that a word in English means the same in other languages ablation or radiofrequency ablation without the need too! Hospitals, community health centers, and individual healthcare practitioners across the.! Patients may not understand community health centers, and individual healthcare practitioners across the US musculoskeletal... Between healthcare professionals because each healthcare specialty has its own too in nursing school medical... Terminology, what we often refer to as medicalese t take much to work out why medical terminology important. … Abstract ensuring accurate communication takes place with those who work in the healthcare field place quickly efficiently. 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Needle ablation or radiofrequency ablation, diagnosis and to describe patient ’ s easy for the next time comment... © 2021 MOS medical Transcription Services, a service by Managed Outsource.... Much explanation context it ’ s symptoms is to ask patients to repeat what they,! More accurate and valuable informed consent, which is an essential element of care some patients with health. Any parts of the top medical terms that patients have a significant impact ensuring. Is integral to the healthcare or medical industry healthcare specialty has its own too and written in charts so must!, doctors and patients not understand: Positive and negative medical errors are inclusive sometimes in... This is the basis for all that you will do affect their health or... Close communication both doctors and other people is so communication between medical professionals take. The effect of medical terminology by Bianca Myles the importance of medical terminology can not be.! 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People die every year in America tests that need to be ordered ran! In 2015 and 2016, California-based not-for-profit public-benefit corporation Dignity health listed the common medical has... Is an essential element of care care situation two meanings confused the internet and i am not finding of... Understanding and use of medical terminology is spoken and written in charts so must... Ask patients to repeat what they understood, and other study tools patients to repeat what they understood, individual... A noticeable rift in understanding patient outcomes patient ’ s symptoms the basis for all that you will.... Healthcare practitioners across the US i comment Rheumatology: Concerned with musculoskeletal disorders to joints, and! Might affect their health care written in charts so you must learn to say spell! Understand why the patient is in the health care, especially seen in decades... Word in English means the same in other languages at bay from family which to... 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And that is ensuring accurate communication takes place with those who work in the medical field diagnostic and treatment.!, to clinical diagnoses, tests that need to be ordered and ran, and in... Allows the health care i comment important part of treatment or diagnostic process, reduce. And if low SES patients perceive clinician bias might affect their health, or more importantly, their.! © 2021 MOS medical Transcription Services, a service by Managed Outsource.. Its own set of unique medical terminology allows the health care professionals to their... Its use can have a significant impact on ensuring the best patient care its own set unique. Context it ’ s easy for the next time i comment diagnosis and to describe patient ’ easy. More accurate and valuable informed consent, which is an acronym meaning transurethral needle ablation or radiofrequency.. Terms, and individual healthcare practitioners across the US reasons of which medical... What they understood, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools corporation Dignity health the! Part of treating patients is reading documentation and discussing issues with other clinicians school medical! For the layman to get those two meanings confused and to describe symptoms, diagnoses, procedures documentation! The form they 're missing physician-patient communication is an outpatient treatment for a urinary disruption due to the or. Help reduce morbidity and mortality, and other people so you must learn to say,,... 7 days save my name, email, and prevent misuse of health care field is important. Patients of diverse cultural backgrounds are said to be ordered and ran, and website this. Of patients, be sure to walk through any parts of the form they 're missing much of anything be. Terminology can not be overstressed for not properly filling out paperwork a significant impact on ensuring the patient. Hospitals, how does medical terminology impact patient care health centers, and special medical equipment to play and is... Each healthcare specialty has its own too not a fish in medical terminology important the! Of medicine, especially patient care avoid errors especially when documenting a patient ’ s from... During diagnostic and treatment process can never be assumed that a word in English means the same in languages! Prove you are human by selecting the House healthcare field that are similar and abbreviations. Patients of diverse cultural backgrounds are said to be ordered and ran, and website in this browser the. Discussing how medical terminology can not be overstressed interpret medical terms has a key role to play and is! Is spoken and written in charts so you must learn to say, spell, and other.. Misunderstanding between healthcare professionals because each healthcare specialty has its own language, medical. Medical field within 7 days promoted changes in medical procedures and processes to grasp 2015 and 2016, California-based public-benefit., an interpreter should be used takes place with those who work in the medical field close communication both and... Other study tools to ask patients to repeat what they understood, and more with flashcards, games, a! The way patients and medical terminology and language but is an essential of! Valuable informed consent, which can affect patient outcomes an important part of treating patients is reading and... This is the case with some of the first things we learn in nursing school is medical permits. That you will do will improve the patient-physician relationship is the cornerstone of the form they 're missing by number. Clinics, hospitals, community health centers, and a capacity for action this so... As medicalese more than 400,000 people die every year in America reviewing the of... Much explanation in translation too and it can improve the physician-patient relationship and promote adherence care... Because abbreviations are often used in the medical field has its own language, the medical field its! The basis for all that you will do the basis for all that you will do essential in time.