Determining patient understanding of commonly used dermatology terms: A multicenter cross-sectional survey

Missing the mark on patient comprehension

“…Our survey findings were in support of Neill et al's, with female sex and higher education being associated with higher levels of patient comprehension. 1,3 Age was not a significant factor in levels of comprehension in either study. 1,3 Despite differences in sample population demographics, both tested cohorts were most challenged by the word metastasis.…”

“…1,3 Age was not a significant factor in levels of comprehension in either study. 1,3 Despite differences in sample population demographics, both tested cohorts were most challenged by the word metastasis. 1,3 Both studies highlight the importance of provider awareness of possible patient-provider miscommunications due to the use of medical jargon.…”

“…1,3 Despite differences in sample population demographics, both tested cohorts were most challenged by the word metastasis. 1,3 Both studies highlight the importance of provider awareness of possible patient-provider miscommunications due to the use of medical jargon. 1,3 Past studies have determined that providers are often missing opportunities to explain medical terminology; a content analysis of 16 transcribed medical encounters showed that providers did not explain the majority (79%) of the medical terms they introduced.…”

“…1,3 Both studies highlight the importance of provider awareness of possible patient-provider miscommunications due to the use of medical jargon. 1,3 Past studies have determined that providers are often missing opportunities to explain medical terminology; a content analysis of 16 transcribed medical encounters showed that providers did not explain the majority (79%) of the medical terms they introduced. 4 More concerningly, patients are unlikely to disclose whether they comprehend the terminology being used in medical encounters or not 4,5 ; transcribed encounters showed that patients rarely asked for clarification when medical terminology was introduced, giving providers little reason to believe that they had misunderstood any part of their encounter.…”

Reply to: “Missing the mark on patient comprehension”

“…To the Editor: We appreciate the comments by Sanchez et al with regard to our article on patient understanding of medical terminology. 1 Their recent article helps draws much-needed light on the inequalities that exist, particularly with our lowerincome, minority, and noneEnglish-speaking patients. 2 This is concerning because these groups often also experience health disparities that place even their ability to access care at risk.…”