Doctors told to write to their patients in plain English instead of using Latin and complicated medical jargon

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges released guidance telling doctors to write to their patients in plain English which is easy to understand. It is reported that too often correspondence contains Latin and complex medical jargon. For example, some doctors still use the Latin abbreviation “bd” to explain the dosing of medicine rather than “twice daily”. It is reported that patients often ask for their medical letters and discharge summaries to be ‘translated’.

Consultants are being asked to write directly to their patient, rather than writing to the patient’s GP and sending the patient a copy of the letter. This could avoid potentially stigmatising words, for example ‘You have diabetes’ is better than ‘You are diabetic’.

It also softens the impact of potentially sensitive information by using a more familiar style and helps to improve the relationship between the doctor and patient.

The Academy says doctors should consider telephoning the patients rather than breaking bad news in a letter if test results are potentially upsetting.

The Vice-Chair of the Royal College of GPs, Prof Kamila Hawthorne, said: “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.”

The ‘Please Write to Me’ initiative, being led by kidney specialist Dr Hugh Rayner, is aimed mainly at doctors working in outpatient clinics, although it is best practice for all clinicians who need to write clinical letters. He said: “Millions of clinic letters are written every month in the NHS so this change could have a big impact.”

The academy, which sets standards for Britain’s 250,000 doctors, said that proper communication was central to good medical care. Patients are encouraged to ask their GP surgeries and local hospitals to comply.

Loveness Chihoyi, Trainee Legal Executive in the Medical Injury team at Ashtons Legal, comments: “As someone who regularly reviews medical records and often struggles to decipher the complex medical jargon, this is a long-awaited positive step in the right direction. The recommendations will help avoid errors, misunderstandings or offences caused by writing about patients in the third person, which often lead to medical negligence claims.”