12. SAY WHAT: QUANTIFYING AND CLASSIFYING JARGON USAGE ON INPATIENT ROUNDS

Abstract

Background Despite understanding that plain language is essential for effective communication, prior research has found that medical providers still use terminology that may be misunderstood by patients (i.e. jargon) several times per encounter. However, little is known about the types and frequency of jargon used in the pediatric inpatient setting. Methods After training for consistency, three medical students audited inpatient morning rounds on a general pediatric service, recording and categorizing all jargon used with a novel jargon classification framework published by Pitt and Hendrickson (Eradicating Jargon-Oblivion - A Proposed Classification System of Medical Jargon; JGIM 2019). After each day of rounds, students provided feedback to the medical team. The study period consisted of 12 sessions over 12 weeks. Results Over 12 weeks, there were a total of 446 jargon words spoken, 313 (70%) of which were not explicitly defined to the patient or family by the healthcare provider. The average (± standard deviation [SD]) undefined jargon words per patient (JPP) was 4.5 (±3.31), and the average (±SD) undefined jargon words per minute (JPM) was 0.37 (±0.13). The most common categories of jargon used include Technical Terminology (e.g. bronchiolitis, 36.7%), Medical Vernacular (e.g. blood culture, 30.8%), and Acronyms (e.g. NPO, 18.1%). Conclusion Undefined jargon was used frequently by healthcare providers in the inpatient pediatric setting. Additional study is indicated to further understand and identify optimal interventions to reduce jargon use at the bedside. Future interventions could consider families with pre-existing medical knowledge, expand the program to other specialties, and include patient and/or family reflections on observed encounters.