| ASSIST: |
This verb is so broad and subject to interpretation. It must be modified by a detailed explanation. |
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Bad Example - "Assists in helping patients to meet their physical and psychological needs." |
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"Assists in the care and handling of operating room supplies". |
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Better Word Usage - "Provides care to patients to meet their physical and psychological needs which includes helping to transport, lift, move and position patients on the operating table and speaking with them to help relieve their anxieties or fears". |
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"Assists in the care and handling of operating room supplies and equipment which includes adjusting tables, lights,
electrocautery, suction equipment and laying out and accounting for special instruments, sponges, medical supplies, etc.".
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| PREPARE: |
Even if this word is followed by what is prepared, we often don't have aclear idea of the demands involved in the preparation. |
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Bad Example - "Prepares medical records." |
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Better Word Usage - "Records case histories of patients which involves questioning regarding previous illnesses or operations, any physical or mental difficulties, causes of deaths of family members, previous visits to office and reasons, etc."
Measures temperature, pulse, respiration, height, weight and blood pressure and tests vision and hearing; instructs patients in removal of clothing and where to wait for attending physician".
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| HANDLE: |
This word implies movement but is better used with modifying action verbs. |
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Bad Example - "Handles patients going to and from treatment." "Handles minor health problems in outpatient department." |
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Better Word Usage - "Transports patients to treatment units using wheelchairs or wheeled carriages, or assists them to walk, in order that the patient will receive treatment which will hasten or aid his/her recovery."
"Assesses and treats minor health problems such as colds, impetigo, cuts and bruises for personnel coming to the out-patient department."
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| EXAMINE: |
This word must be modified to explain what, who, how and why does one do the examining? |
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Bad Examples - "Examines patients for any significant behavior and reaction patterns." |
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"Examines post-operative patients for adverse conditions and reactions." |
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Better Word Usage: "Observes patients, evaluating and recording behavior and reaction patterns for psychiatrists' or medical team's use in reevaluation of treatment plan," |
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"Closely observes post-operative and seriously ill patients, as well as those under therapy, for adverse conditions and reactions."
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| RESEARCH: |
This is a high-sounding word often meant to be impressive, but meaning little unless it is explained by modifying phrases. |
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Bad Example - "Does research in scientific journals to compile information regarding products that may be hazardous." |
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Better Word Usage - "Reads scientific journals, locating articles describing the Results of scientific studies of products which have the potential to be hazardous."
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| Whenever possible, action verbs should be used to introduce the description of a duty as follows: |
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Uses specialized equipment…Checks stock and prepares requisition lists…Discriminates between normal and abnormal…Makes home visits…Teaches patients and family members…Obtains blood specimen by…Sterilizes instruments by…Complies medical case history… |
