Simple, nonmedical terms should be used in explanations to the patient. Health care workers should be specific about the behaviors expected from the patient. For example, it is much more helpful to say, “This pill will help you get better,” than to say, “This drug, isoniazid, is a bactericidal agent that is highly active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.” Using words that are familiar to patients can make the information relevant to them, therefore increasing the likelihood that the patient will comply with the prescribed treatment regimen. .
