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Introduction <p>Effective healthcare depends on clear communication between clinicians and patients. However, the medical terminology used by practitioners is often complex and poorly understood by patients, leading to gaps in comprehension and consent. This study aimed to assess patients’ understanding of commonly used oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) terms and to identify factors influencing comprehension.</p> Methodology <p>A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted between July 2022 and June 2023 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Adults aged 18 years and above seeking maxillofacial treatment were invited to participate voluntarily. A validated bilingual questionnaire containing ten frequently used OMFS terms was administered, and responses were categorized as accurate, nearly accurate, inaccurate, or no response.</p> Results <p>A total of 102 participants (55 males, 47 females; age range 18–65 years) completed the survey. Fracture and occlusion/bite were the most accurately understood terms, while mandible and paresthesia were least comprehended. Literacy, education, income, younger age (&lt; 40 years), and prior hospital visits were significantly associated with higher comprehension scores.</p> Conclusion <p>This study demonstrates limited understanding of maxillofacial terminology among the study population. Simplified communication strategies and targeted patient education may improve understanding and informed consent in OMFS practice.</p>

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Do They Understand Us? Patients’ Knowledge Regarding Different Maxillofacial Terminologies

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月29日

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  • Anuj Jain,
  • Pathan Mabrura Khan,
  • Rajeshwari Patange,
  • Shweta Habbu,
  • Amit Rao

摘要

Introduction

Effective healthcare depends on clear communication between clinicians and patients. However, the medical terminology used by practitioners is often complex and poorly understood by patients, leading to gaps in comprehension and consent. This study aimed to assess patients’ understanding of commonly used oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) terms and to identify factors influencing comprehension.

Methodology

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted between July 2022 and June 2023 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Adults aged 18 years and above seeking maxillofacial treatment were invited to participate voluntarily. A validated bilingual questionnaire containing ten frequently used OMFS terms was administered, and responses were categorized as accurate, nearly accurate, inaccurate, or no response.

Results

A total of 102 participants (55 males, 47 females; age range 18–65 years) completed the survey. Fracture and occlusion/bite were the most accurately understood terms, while mandible and paresthesia were least comprehended. Literacy, education, income, younger age (< 40 years), and prior hospital visits were significantly associated with higher comprehension scores.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates limited understanding of maxillofacial terminology among the study population. Simplified communication strategies and targeted patient education may improve understanding and informed consent in OMFS practice.