Medical Jargon to Avoid in Health Writing and What to Say Instead

Avoiding medical jargon in health writing is crucial for ensuring that health information is clear, accessible, and actionable for a wide audience.

Medical terminology can be confusing or intimidating for those without a healthcare background, leading to misunderstandings, increased anxiety, or even mistrust in the information provided. By using plain language and simple explanations, health writers can effectively communicate complex concepts, improve health literacy, and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. 

This article looks at why you need to avoid medical jargon and provides some examples of what not to use with replacements for each.

Why Avoiding Medical Jargon Is Important In Health Writing

One of the key challenges in health writing is conveying complex medical information in a way accessible to a broad audience. Avoiding medical jargon is crucial in this context for several reasons:

Enhancing Understanding and Comprehension

Medical jargon consists of specialised terms used by healthcare professionals often unfamiliar to the general public. Using these terms without explanation can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.

• Example of Jargon: Myocardial infarction
• Plain Language Alternative: Heart attack

By replacing jargon with plain language, health writers ensure that readers can easily grasp the information being presented, regardless of their background or education level.

Improving Health Literacy

Health literacy refers to an individual’s ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information needed to make appropriate health decisions. Low health literacy is widespread and can lead to poor health outcomes.

• Impact of Jargon: Complex terms can overwhelm readers, discouraging them from engaging with the content or seeking further information.
• Benefit of Plain Language: Simplifying language helps readers feel more confident in their understanding, empowering them to take proactive steps in managing their health.

Building Trust and Rapport

Using clear and understandable language fosters trust between the writer (or healthcare provider) and the reader (or patient).

• Avoiding Miscommunication: Readers who understand the information are more likely to trust the source and follow recommendations.
• Demonstrating Empathy: Using accessible language shows respect for the reader’s needs and acknowledges potential gaps in knowledge without being patronising.

Encouraging Patient Engagement and Compliance

When health information is presented in an accessible way, individuals are more likely to engage with it and adhere to medical advice.

• Facilitating Informed Decisions: Clear explanations enable readers to weigh options and make choices that align with their values and circumstances.
• Promoting Positive Health Behaviours: Understanding the rationale behind recommendations increases the likelihood of individuals adopting healthier lifestyles.

Reducing Anxiety and Fear

Medical jargon can be intimidating and may cause unnecessary anxiety.

• Clarifying Unfamiliar Terms: Breaking down complex concepts helps alleviate fear that may arise from misunderstanding.
• Providing Reassurance: Plain language can make daunting topics more approachable, encouraging readers to seek help when needed.

Ensuring Inclusivity

Not all readers have the same level of education or familiarity with medical terminology.

• Reaching a Wider Audience: Using simple language ensures that health information is accessible to people from diverse backgrounds, including non-native speakers.
• Supporting Vulnerable Populations: Clear communication is especially important for individuals with limited literacy skills or cognitive impairments.

Medical Jargon

Health topics are often complex, and using jargon or technical terms can confuse or alienate readers who don’t have a medical background. Simplifying language or explaining terms ensures the message is accessible to a broader audience.

1. “Chronic” vs. “Acute”

These terms are frequently used in medical contexts but may not be clear to all readers. “Chronic” refers to long-lasting conditions, while “acute” refers to conditions with a rapid onset. Without clarification, people might confuse these terms with “severe” or “urgent.”

• Instead of: Chronic illness, acute pain
• Use: Long-lasting illness, sudden onset of pain

2. “Hypertension”

While “hypertension” is a common medical term for high blood pressure, it might not be clear to those unfamiliar with the terminology. Simplifying the language ensures better comprehension.

• Instead of: Hypertension
• Use: High blood pressure

3. “Benign” vs. “Malignant”

These terms describe the nature of tumours, but the average reader might not immediately know what they mean. “Benign” means non-cancerous, and “malignant” means cancerous and potentially harmful. Clarifying these terms prevents confusion, especially when discussing serious health conditions like cancer.

• Instead of: Benign tumour, malignant growth
• Use: Non-cancerous tumour, cancerous growth

4. “Screening”

In health writing, “screening” refers to tests or exams to detect diseases early. However, the term “screening” might be too vague for some readers who could confuse it with a diagnostic test. Specifying the type of screening and its purpose can help.

• Instead of: Screening for cancer
• Use: Testing to detect cancer early (such as a mammogram or colonoscopy)

5. “Prognosis”

The term “prognosis” refers to the likely outcome or course of a disease, but many readers may not be familiar with this word. Explaining what prognosis means and providing context can prevent misunderstanding.

• Instead of: Prognosis of the condition is poor
• Use: The likely outcome of the condition is not favourable

6. “Metastasis”

This medical term refers to the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. It’s a technical term that may be confusing to readers, and it’s essential to explain it in simple terms.

• Instead of: Cancer has metastasized
• Use: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body

7. “Congenital”

“Congenital” refers to conditions present at birth, but this term might confuse readers who are unfamiliar with medical terminology. Using more direct language, such as “born with,” can make the message clearer.

• Instead of: Congenital heart defect
• Use: A heart defect present at birth

8. “Remission”

When discussing diseases like cancer, “remission” refers to the reduction or disappearance of symptoms. However, many might not know if this means the disease is cured or temporarily improved. Explaining remission in more detail can help clarify the term.

• Instead of: The patient is in remission
• Use: The disease symptoms have decreased or disappeared, but it is not necessarily cured

9. “Intervention”

The word “intervention” in healthcare can refer to a broad range of actions, from surgeries to lifestyle changes. Without specifying what type of intervention, readers might be left confused about what is being recommended.

• Instead of: An intervention is needed
• Use: A treatment or medical procedure is needed

10. “Risk Factor”

This term refers to anything that increases the likelihood of developing a condition, but not everyone understands the concept of a “risk factor.” Some readers may confuse it with a cause. Providing examples and context helps to clarify.

• Instead of: Smoking is a risk factor for heart disease
• Use: Smoking increases the chances of developing heart disease

11. “Prevalence” and “Incidence”

These terms are often used in epidemiology but can easily confuse readers. “Prevalence” refers to the total number of cases of a disease at a given time, while “incidence” refers to the number of new cases over a period. Using more precise and simple language can make this information clearer.

• Instead of: The prevalence of diabetes is rising
• Use: The total number of people living with diabetes is increasing

12. “Non-Invasive”

While “non-invasive” means that a procedure doesn’t involve cutting into the body or removing tissue, some readers may not understand this medical term. It’s important to explain what it means clearly, especially when discussing treatment options.

• Instead of: Non-invasive treatment
• Use: A treatment that does not require surgery or cutting into the body

13. “Contraindication”

This term is used to describe a condition or factor that makes a particular treatment or procedure inadvisable. However, it can be confusing, and it’s often better to simply state what the risks are.

• Instead of: Contraindication for surgery
• Use: A condition that makes surgery too risky

14. “Adverse Event”

An “adverse event” refers to a harmful or unintended effect of a drug or treatment, but many may not be familiar with this term. Using simpler language can ensure the message is clearer.

• Instead of: The patient experienced an adverse event
• Use: The patient had a harmful or unexpected reaction to the treatment

Strategies for Avoiding Medical Jargon

Sometimes, it’s not possible to completely eliminate all medical jargon. In these cases, try the following:

• Know Your Audience: Tailor the language to the intended readership’s level of understanding.
• Use Plain Language: Opt for common words over technical terms whenever possible.
• Explain Necessary Jargon: If a medical term must be used, provide a clear and concise definition.
• Use Analogies and Examples: Relate complex concepts to everyday experiences to enhance understanding.
• Keep Sentences Short and Simple: This improves readability and comprehension.
• Engage in Active Voice: Writing in the active voice makes sentences clearer and more direct.

Need Simplified Content?

Avoiding medical jargon in health writing is essential for effective communication. By using plain language and clear explanations, health writers can make complex medical information accessible, fostering understanding, trust, and engagement. This not only empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health but also contributes to better health outcomes across diverse populations.

If you’d like to work with me on simplifying your content to remove medical jargon and make sure it’s easily understandable, I’d love to chat. Let’s bring your content to the next level! Contact me via email or book a free, no-commitment discovery call to explore how I can support your needs.

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