What's in a name? A brief foray into the world of medical linguistics.

Abstract

What is the difference between possible and probable? In the Oxford English Dictionary it comes down to the likelihood of something happening; in the NHS, it could be a difference of thousands of pounds. This piece seeks to introduce the reader to the consequences and implications of the medical terminology they use day to day. At its most basic level, the purpose of language is to communicate an idea from one person’s mind to another by the medium of spoken or written word. In medical practice the ability to communicate clearly to a wide variety of audiences is crucial. Whether it is communicating a diagnosis to the coding department so that the hospital is appropriately paid, explaining a complicated diagnosis to a patient, or seeking the advice of a regional specialist, the language used must be clear and succinct to ensure that the situation understood by the clinician …