What strategy mitigates medical jargon in patient communication?

• A. Use plain language, define terms, and confirm understanding.
• B. Use abbreviations to save time.
• C. Speak faster to convey urgency.
• D. Avoid patient questions.

Answer: (A)

Clear patient communication hinges on making information understandable and ensuring the patient truly understands what is being said. Using plain language replaces medical jargon with everyday terms, preventing confusion. Defining terms that cannot be avoided ensures the patient knows exactly what is meant. Confirming understanding, such as asking the patient to restate or explain in their own words, helps close any gaps and allows correction of misunderstandings before decisions are made. Together, these steps support shared decision-making and safer, more effective care. Abbreviations often remain confusing to patients, speaking faster can reduce clarity and raise stress without improving understanding, and avoiding patient questions blocks necessary clarification and trust.