GroshLink

A few days ago I came across Learning to Talk the Talk in a Hospital (Theresa Brown, R.N. NY Times. 9/6/2010).  Many of us have received and/or provided health care in various situations.*

Musings which I hope to pull together to form a more well thought out post.  Have insights to share?

What does it mean to become part of a community which provides health care?  In particular, how can various levels of care to numerous people be simultaneously delivered well by a multi-layered team?  No doubt the specific skills and the communication of specific situations under consideration alongside appropriate responses is crucial.  I wonder if patients and trainees would find the context less demanding, if the language of health care become more common knowledge.  Could this be introduced more fully in physical education and/or Biology, possibly even a practical unit on entering the health care venue and how to ask good questions (or research various conditions)?  But is there interest?  And if there is how can this be held in tension with "know it alls" such as myself who are ready to explain it all after some on-line research and/or advise from others? 

It seems that Med-Speak is unique in the sciences (e.g., in contrast to the complex language in the research sciences) because it is articulated in the field among those in need of care (versus being cloistered in laboratories or conferences). 

*Note:  In addition to our family's various health concerns, I "grew up" in a Dental office.  Enabling me to have many opportunities to chat in the waiting room, chart, mail appointment reminders, maintain facilities, serve as an assistant.  While in college Theresa, joined me as an assistant.