MDs' failure to use plain language can lead to the courtroom.
Two recent court cases in British Columbia reveal the importance of using plain, simple language to communicate with patients. This is particularly important because almost half of Canadians have low literacy levels. The CMA, which promotes the use of plain language in professional practice, is participating in the Canadian Public Health Association's National Literacy and Health Program. Resources are available to help physicians better serve patients.
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D001955:British Columbia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D007802:Language; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D013245:Sterilization, Reproductive / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013515:Surgery, Oral / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000601:surgery; D014342:Truth Disclosure