| A | B |
|---|
| Written Communication | Communication shared through written text, symbols, or electronic documentation. |
| Printed Document | A document used to communicate with patients, providers, businesses, insurance companies, or government agencies. |
| Electronic Medical Record (EMR) | A system that may be used to generate, store, or share written healthcare documents. |
| Audience | The person or group who will read or receive a communication. |
| Consider the Audience | A best practice that involves matching language and detail to the reader's level of understanding. |
| Plain Language | Organizing and presenting information clearly and simply so patients can understand it. |
| Medical Terminology | Healthcare language that may be appropriate for providers but may need explanation for patients. |
| Jargon | Specialized language that may confuse readers who are unfamiliar with the topic. |
| Acronym | A shortened form made from the first letters of words. |
| Abbreviation | A shortened form of a word or phrase. |
| Template | A preformatted document or form that supports standardization, efficiency, accuracy, and professional appearance. |
| Standardization | Using consistent formats, wording, or processes to improve quality and efficiency. |
| Proofreading | Reviewing written communication for spelling, grammar, punctuation, accuracy, and completeness. |
| Accuracy | The quality of being correct and free from error. |
| Completeness | The quality of including all required information. |
| Patient Confidentiality | Protecting patient information from being accessed or shared inappropriately. |
| Privacy | A patient's right to have personal and health information protected. |
| Authorized Individual | A person permitted to access patient records or communications. |
| Secure Location | A protected place where paper records or printed documents are kept when not in use. |
| Shredding | A method of destroying confidential paper documents according to privacy procedures. |
| Non-Identifying Information | Information that does not identify a specific patient. |
| Email | An electronic message that may be used to communicate with patients or other facilities. |
| Non-Confidential Information | Information that does not contain private or sensitive patient details. |
| Confidential Information | Private information that must be protected, secured, or encrypted when shared. |
| Encryption | A security method used to protect confidential electronic information. |
| Secure Messaging | Electronic communication that protects confidential information, often through an approved system or portal. |
| Descriptive Subject Line | An email subject line that clearly identifies the purpose without including private details. |
| Conversation Thread | A connected chain of email replies related to the same topic. |
| Professional Language | Clear, respectful, and workplace-appropriate wording. |
| Prompt Response | A timely reply to communication whenever possible. |
| Fax Communication | Sending documents through fax technology, which may be traditional or digital. |
| Digital Fax | A secure online fax system that sends documents to an electronic inbox instead of using a traditional telephone line. |
| Fax Cover Sheet | A page sent with a fax that identifies sender, receiver, date, number of pages, and confidentiality information. |
| Confidentiality Disclaimer | A statement reminding recipients that information may be confidential and should not be shared without authorization. |
| Transmission Log | A record of faxes or communications sent and received. |
| Patient Portal | A secure online platform that allows patients to receive messages or access health information. |
| Secure Patient Messaging | Secure electronic communication between a patient and healthcare facility. |
| Sign | A written message posted or displayed to communicate information to patients and visitors. |
| Respectful Tone | Wording that sounds courteous, welcoming, and professional. |
| Positive Wording | Telling people what to do in a helpful way instead of focusing on negative instructions. |
| Health Literacy Barrier | A factor that may make it difficult for a patient to read or understand health information. |
| Literacy Problem | Difficulty reading or understanding written information. |
| Language Barrier | Difficulty understanding communication because of different first languages or limited language ability. |
| Educational Level | A factor that may affect how easily a patient understands health information. |
| Hearing Difficulty | A factor that may cause patients to miss or misunderstand spoken instructions. |
| Limited Vision | A factor that may make forms, signs, or instructions difficult to read. |
| Stress and Worry | Emotional factors that can make it harder for patients to concentrate or remember instructions. |
| Self-Esteem Issue | A factor that may make patients embarrassed to ask questions when they do not understand. |
| Cognitive Overload | Feeling overwhelmed by too much information at once. |
| Focus or Memory Issue | A difficulty that may affect a patient's ability to remember or follow instructions. |
| Conversational Language | A natural, everyday style of writing or speaking that patients can easily understand. |
| Active Voice | A clear sentence structure where the person responsible for the action is stated directly. |
| Passive Voice | A sentence structure that can be less direct because the doer of the action may be unclear. |
