Question

In the classical world, physicians used terms that were familiar to ordinary people, or formed terms based on everyday language. Physicians used words that already existed, such as cardia for “heart,” and analogies with objects or processes outside the body, such as amygdala—an almond-shaped structure in the brain—which in Greek means “almond.” As a result, medical terminology had a very different feel in its original context, where the terms related to objects found in everyday life and to beliefs about the body which we no longer share.

But the knowledge of terminology today can create a barrier between, for example, doctor and patient. The complex terminology often employed has the potential to confuse the patient and consequently to disrupt the communication between doctor and patient – one of the most important aspects of the health care relationship. Knowing this, and now with some familiarity with the basics of medical terminology, what do you think are some steps or strategies that could be taken to improve this aspect of the health care system?  

Answer 1

The doctor patient relationship is the most important in giving better therapeutic outcome and for improving the quality of life the  patient .

• GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILL : The physicians should use simple language to the patient .he should not use medical terminologies while communicating with the patient .physician should make sure that patient understands everything about disease and medication .
• Knowledges ON THERAPEUTICS:The physician should have knowledge on the medication ,its pharmacological activity , dose , dosage , adverse drug reaction, and route of administration.
• PATIENT COUNSELLING :the physician should have eye contact with the patient and should counsel about the disease , home remedies, exercises, what not to do etc .
• MAINTENANCE OF RECORD :the physician should maintain a record of the patient having all demographic details, past medical history,past medication history , laboratory details, physical examination, medication chart etc