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My 'choice of words'
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My 'choice of words'
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I'm not sure how many of you saw the filler article in the BMJ on this topic but it strikes a chord with me - I often get ecgs to see when I haven't seen the patient. Sometimes if the patient is 'larg
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My 'choice of words'

posted at 2/4/2012 3:00 PM BST on bmj.com
Posts: 878
First: 17/6/2011
Last: 24/5/2013
I'm not sure how many of you saw the filler article in the BMJ on this topic but it strikes a chord with me - I often get ecgs to see when I haven't seen the patient. Sometimes if the patient is 'large/overweight/fat/obese' whatever your preferred term - it is normal. That's easy if the report is verbal but I really struggle with words when I have to write it and I think I then probably overcomplicate matters. Which choice of words is best? I'm interested in current PC terms - if you choose this please tell us what you say!

Re: My 'choice of words'

posted at 2/4/2012 3:26 PM BST on bmj.com
Posts: 8
First: 2/4/2012
Last: 5/4/2012
+++ adipose tissue or raised BMI

Re: My 'choice of words'

posted at 3/4/2012 5:16 PM BST on bmj.com
Posts: 3045
First: 27/3/2012
Last: 20/5/2013
Although obese patients are always worried. they require a sympathetic approach. They may be assured of overcoming their problem, at our best.
Exercise, properly maintained diet schedule & genetic factors are important.

Re: My 'choice of words'

posted at 3/4/2012 5:17 PM BST on bmj.com
Posts: 3045
First: 27/3/2012
Last: 20/5/2013
Although obese patients are always worried, they require a sympathetic approach. They may be assured of overcoming their problem, at our best.
Exercise, properly maintained diet schedule & genetic factors are important.

Re: My 'choice of words'

posted at 3/4/2012 6:25 PM BST on bmj.com
Posts: 2060
First: 12/3/2010
Last: 24/5/2013
A gravity challenging, dermatologically overendowed, opportunistic eater.
John

Re: My 'choice of words'

posted at 4/4/2012 10:33 AM BST on bmj.com
Posts: 1
First: 4/4/2012
Last: 4/4/2012
Medical term. Usually, the patient knows whether or not they're overweight and are fine with it. "Obese" is usually my choice if they're simple obese.

If they're slightly overweight, then I'll say that, but I think it's the manner and tone in which you chat with the patient about it.

The patient is placed into an environment where they feel vulnerable and sometimes scared, so it helps to give direct info, but more importantly, they shouldn't feel isolated.

You're their friend for the time they're in hospital.

Re: My 'choice of words'

posted at 4/4/2012 8:07 PM BST on bmj.com
Posts: 322
First: 27/10/2011
Last: 24/5/2013
I once got chastised as a student by using the word 'scar' for a wound and then by another by using 'wound'.  Urgh!

People are all different; patients are all different. Medical (and indeed all professional) language has evolved to allow for clear communicaton with each other, but with the patient it is a slightly different affair.  We mustn't use jargon, but we musn't falsely represent a problem through wishy-wasjy terminology.  Use the appropriate term then provide a clear explanation.

Forums » Open clinical » General clinical » My 'choice of words'