80 percent of Americans claim docs need better bedside manners

What they need at that point, are clear, concise explanations from their doctor and a little caring thrown in. So why is it that there are complaints that they receive neither? According to this article, Complicated medical lingo can confuse patients: researchers, there is still a big disconnect between what doctors say and what patients hear and understand.

In all fairness, it's not always only the doctors. I remember when I was working on a medical floor, a new nursing graduate went into an elderly patient's room and announced rather loudly that she was there to "take her vital signs." I have no idea what the patient thought, but all these years later I still remember how shocked I was. How many patients understand what "vital signs" are and what might an older confused patient think?

The other problem coming up is, unfortunately not new. According to this press release, National survey reveals 80 percent of Americans claim docs need better bedside manners, many doctors still aren't getting the message that showing a caring manner plays a big role in how patients perceive their healthcare and may affect how compliant they are with their care. While I don't have any facts to back me up, I think that maybe both complaints (complicated language and lack of bedside manner) are often seen in the same doctor.

Source: By Marijke's Blog - Reprinted with permission.