369 - (Mis)Understanding Jargon: Characterizing Patients’ Comprehension of Medical Terms

Publication Number: 4362.369

Alexis Quade, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Aarabhi S. Rajagopal, Seattle Children's, Seattle, WA, United States; Aarohi Shah, University of Minnesota Medical School, Maple Grove, MN, United States; Maya M. Ryaboy, University of Minnesota Medical School, Eden Prairie, MN, United States; Jenna Fleming, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Joshua B. Morof, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Sage M. Marmet, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Sydney N. Loy, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Eden Prairie, MN, United States; Arman A. Shahriar, Indian Health Service, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Cris G. Ebby, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States; Rheanne K. Maravelas, University of Minnesota Medical School, Roseville, MN, United States; Emily Hause, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Scott Lunos, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Michelle M. Kelly, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States; Jordan Marmet, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Marissa Hendrickson, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Michael B. pitt, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, United States

Background: Research has shown that while patients often do not understand medical jargon, providers continue to use it, potentially without realizing that they are doing so. In the era of open notes, patients encounter jargon not only during provider visits but also when reviewing their clinical documentation. These misunderstandings can create communication gaps and hinder shared decision-making.

Objective: To characterize adults' understanding of medical phrases commonly used in verbal counseling or written in clinical notes to gain perspective on gaps in provider-patient communication.

Design/Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. Participants were at least 18 years old, had no formal medical training, and could comfortably read and write in English. The survey included multiple-choice and free-text questions assessing comprehension of common medical phrases. Two researchers independently coded open-ended responses, with a third resolving discrepancies.

Results: A total of 332 participants completed the survey (66% female, 31% male, 2% non-binary, 0.9% other; mean age 46 years [SD 19]; 63.5% reported a bachelor's degree or higher). Comprehension varied widely by medical phrases. For example, 80% understood what a doctor meant when they said "There are no precautions," whereas only 36% understood "We're going to start you on a bowel regimen." When reading clinical notes, comprehension of tested common medical phrases dropped even lower. For example, 17% understood "The patient is having emesis," and 10% understood "The patient is tolerating PO." Many participants misinterpreted the phrases to mean something else entirely. For example, several thought tolerating PO meant they were doing well with physical therapy.

Conclusion(s): This study demonstrates that many commonly used medical phrases, whether spoken or written, are misunderstood. Despite a more highly educated sample than the national average, the results show a significant lack of understanding. With an aim of increased transparency between providers and patients, we must strive to improve our communication with patients and use terminology that is better understood.

Table 1
Demographics of Survey Participants.

Table 2
Accuracy of Understanding Medical Phrases.