Health psychologists attempt to aid the process of communication between doctors and patients during
medical consultations. There are many problems in this process, particularly the use of jargon by doctors
(using long, complex, usually medicine-specific words often not understood by the patient). Researchers
such as Boyle and McKinlay have investigated this process and discovered not only that patient
understanding is low (40% of women on a maternity ward understood 13 medical terms that they were
given), but that even doctors do not expect their patients to understand their jargon!
One main area of research on this topic involves 'doctor centered' or 'patient centered' consultations.
Doctor centered consultations are generally directive, with the patient answering questions and taking little
part in decision-making. Although this style is preferred by elderly people and others, many people dislike
the sense of hierarchy or ignorance that it inspires. They prefer the patient centered consultations, which
focus on the patient's needs, involve the doctor listening to the patient completely before making a decision,
and involving the patient in the process of choosing treatment and finding a diagnosis.
medical consultations. There are many problems in this process, particularly the use of jargon by doctors
(using long, complex, usually medicine-specific words often not understood by the patient). Researchers
such as Boyle and McKinlay have investigated this process and discovered not only that patient
understanding is low (40% of women on a maternity ward understood 13 medical terms that they were
given), but that even doctors do not expect their patients to understand their jargon!
One main area of research on this topic involves 'doctor centered' or 'patient centered' consultations.
Doctor centered consultations are generally directive, with the patient answering questions and taking little
part in decision-making. Although this style is preferred by elderly people and others, many people dislike
the sense of hierarchy or ignorance that it inspires. They prefer the patient centered consultations, which
focus on the patient's needs, involve the doctor listening to the patient completely before making a decision,
and involving the patient in the process of choosing treatment and finding a diagnosis.
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