Four in 10 Belgians don't understand what their GP says

Some 40% of people in Belgium don’t fully understand their doctor’s explanation of their condition or of the advised treatment, according to a survey by the Onafhankelijke Ziekenfondsen (OZ), or Independent Mutualities. Seventeen percent of the 1,033 participants who took part in the survey clearly stated that their general practitioner (GP) uses words that are too difficult.

This lack of clear communication can lead to problems, according to OZ director Ann Ceuppens. “It means that patients sometimes don’t follow the advice correctly or don’t take their medication the way they should,” she told De Morgen.

OZ said that health-care providers should avoid medical jargon and adapt their language to the profile of the patient. Ceuppens pointed out that the education sector, the government and the mutualities should take action to ensure better training in communication.

But patients should also ask for more clarification, she said. The survey shows that 4% of Belgians don’t dare to ask their GP questions. Sometimes people are embarrassed to admit that they haven’t understood something, but some also feel that the GP has a higher professional position. “Patients often feel that doctors are giving them instructions,” said Ceuppens, “but a consultation should be perceived as an exchange of information.”

The situation could improve in the future as mutualities put more medical information on their websites. This way, patients can better prepare for a visit and think of certain questions they have before the visit.

Photo: Ingimage