How to Explain a Treatment Plan to a Patient in English

1 Example dialogue

Read the conversation. Then read it out loud. Try both parts.

Dr Tanaka explains a treatment plan to Mrs Green, who has just been told she has type 2 diabetes.

Dr Tanaka So, Mrs Green, I know this is a lot to take in. Would it help if I explained the plan step by step?
Mrs Green Yes, please. I'm a bit worried, to be honest.
Dr Tanaka That's completely understandable. The good news is that we've found it early. First, I'd like you to start a tablet called metformin. You take it twice a day, with food.
Mrs Green Are there any side effects?
Dr Tanaka Some people get an upset stomach for the first few weeks. It usually gets better. If it doesn't, please let us know.
Dr Tanaka Second, we'll book you in with a nurse who can talk to you about food and exercise. And we'll check your blood again in three months.
Mrs Green OK. That sounds manageable.
Dr Tanaka Just to make sure I've explained it clearly, can you tell me in your own words what happens next?

These are the most useful phrases from the dialogue, with what they mean and when to use them.

“I know this is a lot to take in.”
Shows empathy. "Take in" means understand and accept new information.
“Would it help if I explained...?”
A gentle way to offer information. It gives the patient some control.
“That's completely understandable.”
Use this when a patient says they are worried or upset. It shows their feelings are normal.
“First... Second... And...”
Simple sequence words help patients follow a plan. Keep each step short.
“an upset stomach”
Everyday English for nausea or stomach problems. Patients understand it better than medical terms.
“We'll book you in with...”
To arrange an appointment for someone. Very common in British healthcare.

UK / US: "Book in" is mainly British. Americans usually say "schedule you with" or "set up an appointment".
“Can you tell me in your own words...?”
A polite way to check the patient understood, without making them feel tested.

Answer each question out loud, not in your head. Use the key phrases. If you can, record yourself on your phone and listen back.

Explain a common treatment from your work in three simple steps, using "First... Second... And...".
A patient says, "I'm really worried." Respond with empathy before you give information.
Explain one common side effect in everyday English. Avoid medical words.
Check a patient's understanding without asking "Do you understand?".
Choose three medical terms you use every day. Say each one in plain English.

Many learners make these mistakes in this situation. Here is the natural version.

Not: You must take the medication b.i.d. with meals.

Say: Please take one tablet twice a day, with food.

Patients do not know medical abbreviations. Use short, everyday words.
Not: Do you understand?

Say: Can you tell me in your own words what we'll do next?

Most patients say "yes" to "Do you understand?" even when they don't. Asking them to explain is safer.
Not: Don't worry.

Say: I can see you're worried. That's completely understandable.

"Don't worry" can sound like you are not listening. Name the feeling first, then reassure.
Not: You have hyperglycaemia secondary to insulin resistance.

Say: Your blood sugar is higher than it should be, because your body isn't using insulin well.

Explain the meaning, not the medical name. You can give the name after the explanation.