ABSTRACT
The Cambridge English Dictionary defines jargon as: 'Special words and phrases which are used by particular groups of people, especially in their work'. In the HSC Annual Report for 2003–4 the HSC stated that some of the complaints investigated might never have arisen if health professionals had communicated clearly with patients without using jargon, had taken the time to ensure that patients and carers understood what was being said to them and had made a record of the conversation. If writing the records is delayed, and if there is lack of detail, there is a danger that records will become routine and meaningless. They will move away from their real purpose, which is to facilitate treatment, care and support of the patient. Abbreviations cause a lot of confusion and can lead to the patient's care being compromised, as there is a risk that the abbreviation will be misunderstood.
