Explaining in plain English
Words patients understand, and how to handle difficult moments.
12 minutes · A free lesson from Speaking
The interlocutor plays a lay person. Assessors listen for language the patient can understand — and for you checking that they did. A medical term is fine if you explain it; a string of them is not.
Medical term → plain English
Difficult moments
Anger
- I can see you're really upset, and I'd feel the same.
- I'm sorry this has happened. Let me explain what we're doing about it.
Refusal
- It's your decision. Can I explain why we've suggested it, so you can decide with all the information?
Worry
- What's worrying you most?
- That's a very understandable worry.
Not knowing
- I don't know, but I'll find out for you.
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: How would you explain "oedema" to a patient?
- Inflammation of a bone
- A kind of infection
- Swelling, usually caused by fluid
Show the answer
C: Swelling, usually caused by fluid — Name it, explain it, give an example.
Quick check: A patient refuses a treatment. Which response is best?
- “You have to take it.”
- “It's your decision. Can I explain why we've suggested it?”
- “Fine, I'll write down that you refused.”
Show the answer
B: “It's your decision. Can I explain why we've suggested it?” — Respect the decision and make sure it is an informed one.
Quick check: Which reply avoids false reassurance?
- “We'll keep a close eye on you and tell you as soon as the results are back.”
- “Don't worry, everything will be fine.”
- “It's nothing serious.”
Show the answer
A: “We'll keep a close eye on you and tell you as soon as the results are back.” — Reassure with what you will do, not with promises you cannot keep.
Quick check: What does "chronic" mean in plain English?
- Very serious
- Sudden
- Long-term
Show the answer
C: Long-term — Patients often think chronic means severe.
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