We spend years in school learning big medical words. But for our patients, especially those living far from big cities, those words can sound like a different language.
When a patient has a hard treatment to follow, they need to know what to do, why they are doing it, and how to do it. If they don’t understand, they might get scared, forget to take their medicine, or miss signs that something is wrong.
Why is it harder in rural areas?
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Big Words: We use words like “hypertension” or “chemotherapy” every day. But for many people, these words mean nothing.
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No Time: Clinics are busy. Doctors and nurses don’t always have a lot of time to sit and talk slowly.
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Few Tools: Small clinics might not have pamphlets, videos, or helpers who speak other languages.
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Different Beliefs: Sometimes, what we learn in school is different from what people have always believed about getting sick.
Simple Ways to Talk So People Understand
We need to talk to patients in a way that makes sense to them. Here’s how:
1. Use Simple Words
Forget the big medical words. Say “high blood pressure” instead of “hypertension.” Say “pills you swallow” instead of “oral medication.” Keep your sentences short.
2. Compare It to Things They Know
Use examples from everyday life. For example:
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“Your heart works like a pump. Right now, the pipes are a little clogged.”
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“Your kidneys work like a coffee filter. They clean your blood.”
3. Draw a Picture
You don’t have to be an artist. A quick drawing on a scrap of paper can help a lot. If you draw the lungs or stomach, they can see what you are talking about.
4. Ask Them to Show You
This is a great way to make sure they understand. After you explain something, don’t just ask “Do you understand?” Most people will just say yes to be nice. Instead, say:
“I want to make sure I explained this well. Can you tell me, in your own words, how you will take your medicine when you get home?”
MBH/PS