Medical language, chemo brain & heatwaves (Inside Health)

[helvella]

Just listened to the first part of the program which concentrates on medical language.

They mention several of the example we often see here. And then positively request emails letting them know of other examples - and what language we (as patients) would prefer to be used.

I really hope you will consider contacting the program (they asked for that).

Obvious examples include "non-compliant" and even "presenting complaint".

I do not know about access outside the UK.

Inside Health

Medical language, chemo brain & heatwaves

Released On:12 Jul 2022

Available for over a year

Does medicine have a language problem? We speak to Rachel who was made to feel like a 'naughty schoolgirl' by the terminology used around the birth of her child. We’ll find out how deep-seated blaming and belittling language in healthcare is, and why. We get sticky and sweaty discussing the dangers of heatwaves to the human body. And we take the confusion out of 'chemo brain' or cancer-related cognitive impairment, and explore why we rarely talk about it and how this is now changing. Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Beth Eastwood

bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00193pp

Contact details:

bbc.co.uk/programmes/articl...

[JaneChapple]

I shall contact them Helvella. I get very cross when I see on blood results 'patient non-compliant?! Im sure there may be some but its too gwneralised a term.

Thanks for posting!

JaneCxxx😣😎❤

[greygoose]

You can get it in France. I listened to it yesterday. Totally agree with being made to feel like a naughty child in antinatal appointments at the hospital! Afraid I said one or two things I probably shouldn't have I got so mad! lol

[helvella in reply to greygoose]

I try never to assume - but some BBC radio programs seem to be part of World Service so available everywhere. Others could be included in the USA’s Public Broadcasting Service.

Always hopeful but don’t want to mislead.

Speak your mind to your radio/computer!

[EMBoy]

I've just listened to the broadcast - very interesting.

Unfortunately, many of these terms that we as patients find insulting or patronising do have specific clinical/medical meanings that are used and understood by the medical profession around the world. Having worked with medics for over 40 years, I know that the vast majority would be extremely upset if they thought they were insulting their patients.

Nevertheless, medical terminology needs to change, not only to make patients feel they are being treated with dignity, but to make them understandable to those of us who are not medically trained. It's going to take a long time, so let's hope this programme is the start of an important process.

[kellyjoan]

I’m familiar with many of these. I find them very useful when medics are trying to treat me like an idiot and giving me a very hard time.

Recently in hospital, I felt a tiny bit better when I asked an arrogant consultant if we could discuss the differential diagnoses for my presenting symptoms so that I could have an appropriate diagnostic work up.

“Are you a doctor?”

“No. Are you a patient centred health professional who supports patient choice?”

[helvella in reply to kellyjoan]

Have to ask. Did you get a reply?

[kellyjoan in reply to helvella]

If only ….. a huff and a puff and a sharp exit 😌