NSG 103

Interviewee Information

The interval that I did was with my mom, Dawn Heffernan. She is a CRNA at Mass General Boston and has around 18 years of experience in the field. She also works alongside my dad, who is also a CRNA, providing anesthesia care in various surgical settings.

Questions Asked:

1.  How to use medical terminology?
2. How does medical terminology support your professional role
3. Can you share examples of word parts, terms, and abbreviations you use daily
4. How is medical language used in patient records? Has the use of electronic medical records (EMRs) affected the use of medical terminology in your job?
5. What do you do when you encounter a term you don’t know?

Summary of the Interview:

She explains how important medical terminology is in her work, especially when working with other healthcare professionals like surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and even my dad. She uses terms like “propofol,” “rocuronium,” and “ETT” (endotracheal tube) to communicate the specifics of anesthesia, medications, and patient care. These terms allow for precise communication, which is essential for the safety of the patient, particularly in fast-paced surgical settings.

Dawn emphasized that using medical terminology supports her role by ensuring quick, accurate communication. For example, terms like “general anesthesia” or “MAC” (Monitored Anesthesia Care) help the team quickly understand the level of anesthesia a patient needs. Medical language ensures that there is no room for miscommunication

Regarding patient records, Dawn noted that medical terminology is used extensively in electronic medical records (EMRs) to document patient information. The use of EMRs has streamlined documentation but also requires consistent use of standardized terms and abbreviations, which helps keep everything straight. Abbreviations such as “IV” for intravenous and “HR” for heart rate are often used for quick reference. When she comes across terms she doesn’t recognize, Dawn mentioned that she turns to reference materials, and drug guides, or even asks her colleagues for clarification. This way, she ensures she fully understands and uses the terminology correctly.

She also uses an endless number of books on anesthesia in our house.

What caught me off guard was just how essential medical terminology is for effective communication, especially in the field of anesthesia care. Using the right terms can help avoid mistakes, particularly when the pressure is on. I was also intrigued by the way electronic medical records have changed the landscape of medical language. It was fascinating to learn that while EMRs have streamlined documentation, they also mean that healthcare professionals need to keep up with the latest terminology. This interview drove home the significance of clear and concise communication in healthcare, whether it’s with colleagues or patients.