In this edition of Navigation Refresh, we will cover basic medical terminology. Are you excited? Okay, okay…terminology may not be the most exciting topic, but understanding basic medical terms and common words used in oncology is helpful, because a patient navigator is a liaison between patients and families and clinical teams. First, we will start with why it is important to be fluent in basic medical terminology.
Personal health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions. Health literacy is important, because when a person does not understand the status of their health or the instructions provided by their healthcare team, they are less likely to adhere to recommendations that will optimize their well-being. Lower health literacy is also linked to more hospital stays and greater mortality.
Patient navigators are uniquely positioned to assess patient health literacy and provide support. Patient navigators can check for patient understanding and help patients prioritize questions to ask their healthcare team. Patient navigators can also promote positive healthy behaviors, educate patients and families about health information, and help them understand their healthcare coverage. Patient navigators can bolster patient self-efficacy through coaching and encouragement to share their values and preferences of care and to speak up when they do not understand something.
Being fluent in basic medical terminology supports the Oncology Navigation Standards of Professional Practice on communication. Oncology navigators communicate effectively in all areas of practice and tailors communication based on the educational, developmental, and health literacy level of the patient.1
It is important to note that literacy is different from health literacy or English proficiency. Patients who speak a language different from English have a right to interpretation services in their native language. Patient navigators who speak the native language of the patient can be particularly helpful, but a medical interpreter should always provide interpretation of key health information and medical directives from the treatment team.
To provide information in an accessible way to patients and families, it is important for patient navigators to understand frequently used medical terms.
Many medical terms are derived from Greek or Latin words. The prefix of the word describes the size, location, direction, or amount. The root of the word determines which body part the word relates to. The key to understanding medical terms is breaking down the words (Table).
Patient navigators must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to adapt information to patients and families. Navigators can help patients and families make sense of complex information and ensure understanding of next steps in their treatment plan. The trust that patient navigators develop with patients, families, and team members provides a foundation to coordinate and expedite care in ways that align with their values, preferences, and logistical realities.
You can access the newly updated GW “Oncology Patient Navigator Training: The Fundamentals” and lots of resources at bit.ly/PNTraining. If you want to access slides on this topic, go to the GW Cancer Center Patient Navigation Resources - Cancer Control TAP page and look for “Oncology Patient Navigator Training Resources.” Here you can download slides on medical terminology (lesson 2). You can also access references, transcripts, and resources cited in our evidence-based training.
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