What do health professionals say about writing in English when it’s not their first language?

Understanding patients who are native speakers of English can be challenging for health professionals who are non-native speakers.

In follow-up visits, healthcare professionals need to ask questions that focus on what’s been happening with the patient since the last appointment.

Deciding which verb is the right one can be confusing.

What do health professionals say about writing in English when it’s not their first language?

Here are some reminders for when you’re telling patients what they need to do.

When talking about something as important as illness, patients expect to see a doctor, physio or therapist who has a good command of English.

Muddling up ‘remember’ and ‘remind’ is another common confusion.

What do health professionals say about writing in English when it’s not their first language?

You’ve got the specialised, job-related language down pat (mastered).

How confident are you using skeleton words in English?

Where’s my Visa card?

Do you sometimes feel that writing confidently and comfortably in English for work will never happen?

How’s your revising going?

Making time to revise is an important part of up-skilling.

I’ve found that working in 12-week spurts is very productive.

Have you ever been in another country when you’re not feeling well and are stuck for words to describe what’s wrong and what you need?

What are your reasons for not writing more in English?

Mixing up these two and adding an S in the wrong place happens a lot.

What do health professionals say about writing in English when it’s not their first language?