2C Use industry terminology correctly in verbal, written and digital communications

Working in a community services environment requires an in-depth knowledge of industry terminology, sometimes referred to as jargon. Some of these terms have important medical implications that can negatively impact on a person’s care if they are incorrectly recorded or communicated. Your workplace may have a list of approved acronyms and glossary terms that you should be aware of and refer to when in doubt.

If you hear terminology in your workplace and are unsure of the meaning, you should clarify the meaning with your colleagues or supervisor.

For an authoritative source of health-related terminology you can refer to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s National Health Data Dictionary.