title: Patients' understanding of medical terminology used in the breast clinic.
abstract: This study evaluated patients' understanding of common terms used by breast surgeons in order to identify words which may need to be defined and explained during a clinic consultation. 95 patients completed the survey. 87% defined 'Surgeon' correctly whereas 'Radiographer' and 'Radiologist' were correctly defined by only 19% and 28% respectively. 26% correctly defined 'Pathologist' and 43% 'Oncologist'. Two-thirds of patients correctly defined 'Benign' (66%) and 'Malignant' (65%). 'Mammogram' and 'Ultrasound' were correctly defined by 39% and 8% respectively. 21% of patients correctly defined 'Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting'. 1 in 5 patients correctly defined 'Chemotherapy' (20%) and 'Radiotherapy' (19%). This study has identified that many of the medical terms used in a consultation are not understood by patients. Education must be incorporated as a routine part of the consultation to enhance the patient experience and ensure they can actively participate in making informed decisions about their care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery, Ashford and St Peter's NHS Foundation Trust, London Road, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 3AA, UK. Electronic address: roconnell@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: O'Connell
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Hartridge-Lambert
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Din
authors.forename: E R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: St John
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hitchins
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009819:Office Visits; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010819:Physician's Role; D011859:Radiography; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D009626:Terminology as Topic
keywords: Breast cancer; Patient education