1st Edition

Tackling NHS Jargon Getting the Message Across

By Sarah Carr Copyright 2001

    Used properly jargon can be effective, but used incorrectly it can damage communications, waste time and money, and harm public, patient and staff relations. This book will enable and encourage readers to use language that the intended audience will understand. It provides practical advice based on the author's experience of producing National Health Service documents and contains explanations of common NHS jargon, with alternatives. Plain speaking and writing techniques are included, and there are numerous examples from real NHS management communications. This is an invaluable book for Health Service managers, clinicians with management responsibilities and all those responsible for communicating information about healthcare.

    Part One: NHS Jargon. Recognising and categorising NHS jargon. Part Two: Jargon and the organization. Encouraging a plain-communicating organization. Describing benefits to staff. Convincing enough to the right people. Involving people in linking research to practice. Part Three: Planning your plain document. Writing plainly. Tackling NHS jargon. Testing and revising your plain document. Communicating in speech and other special circumstances. Part Four: Aids to NHS jargon-busting. Examples of NHS buzz words, with plain English translations. Examples of NHS gobbledegook, with plain English translations. Examples of NHS technical jargon, with plain English translations. Examples of a short style guide.

    Biography

    Sarah Carr