Doctors told to use plain English to help patients understand

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges have said that letters written by doctors too often contain complex medical jargon, rather that plain English, which is easier for patients to understand.

A new initiative set up by Dr Hugh Rayner, by the name of Please Write To Me, is primarily aimed at doctors working in outpatient departments, although it is considered to be best practice for all professionals when writing clinical letters.

Dr Rayner said “The change may seem small but it has a big effect.

“Writing to patients rather than about them changes the relationship between doctor and patient.

“It involves them more in their care and leads to all sorts of benefits.

“Millions of clinic letters are written every month in the NHS, so this change could have a big impact.”

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, vice-chair of the Royal College of GPs, said “I have seen a number of patients who have asked me to translate the letter they have received from the hospital, which has been little more than a medical summary.

“By hospital doctors writing any letters directly to patients, with their GP copied in so we are always aware of what is happening regarding our patient’s care, it should make the process more patient-centred, and make them feel more involved in their care, which will be beneficial for everyone.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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