Medical report transforming into plain language.

Decoding Doctor Speak: How "Was hab' ich?" is Revolutionizing Patient Understanding

Author's portrait.
Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness May 2025 • 4 min read.

"Empowering patients through plain language: The story of Ansgar Jonietz and his quest to make medical information accessible to all."


Imagine receiving a medical report filled with unfamiliar terms and complex data. For many, this is a reality, leading to confusion, anxiety, and a feeling of disconnect from their own health. Understanding medical information is crucial for informed decision-making and effective self-care, yet the language barrier between doctors and patients often hinders this process.

Enter "Was hab' ich?" (What do I have?), an innovative German initiative founded by Ansgar Jonietz that's revolutionizing how patients understand their medical conditions. This organization bridges the communication gap by translating complex medical reports into plain, accessible language, empowering individuals to take control of their health journey.

Jonietz, recognized as "Manager of the Year 2016" in Germany for his work, leads a team of volunteer medical students and doctors who dedicate their time to translating medical documents. Their efforts not only benefit patients but also enhance the communication skills of future medical professionals.

Breaking Down the Language Barrier: How "Was hab' ich?" Works

Medical report transforming into plain language.

"Was hab' ich?" operates on a simple yet powerful principle: medical reports are often dense and filled with jargon that's difficult for the average person to decipher. This can lead to misunderstandings, missed opportunities for proactive health management, and a sense of alienation from the healthcare process. The organization steps in to provide clear, concise translations that patients can easily grasp.

The process is straightforward: patients submit their medical reports to "Was hab' ich?", and a team of volunteer medical professionals translates the document into plain language. The translated report is then returned to the patient, providing them with a clear understanding of their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential outcomes.

  • Empowering Patients: By providing accessible information, "Was hab' ich?" empowers patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions.
  • Improving Communication: Clearer understanding fosters better communication between patients and doctors, leading to more effective treatment plans.
  • Reducing Anxiety: Demystifying medical jargon reduces anxiety and empowers patients to feel more in control of their health.
  • Promoting Health Literacy: The initiative promotes health literacy, enabling individuals to better understand and manage their own health.
Beyond individual benefits, "Was hab' ich?" also contributes to the healthcare system as a whole. By improving patient understanding, the organization reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and errors, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and cost savings.

"Was hab' ich?" : A Model for Change

The success of "Was hab' ich?" demonstrates the power of simple, accessible communication in healthcare. By breaking down the language barrier and empowering patients with knowledge, this organization is transforming the way people understand and manage their health. "Was hab' ich?" serves as a model for similar initiatives around the world, highlighting the importance of patient-centered communication and health literacy. As healthcare continues to evolve, the lessons learned from "Was hab' ich?" will be invaluable in creating a more equitable and effective system for all.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is 'Was hab' ich?' and how does it help patients understand their medical reports?

‘Was hab’ ich?’ (What do I have?) is a German initiative founded by Ansgar Jonietz that translates complex medical reports into plain, accessible language. This allows patients to better understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential outcomes without relying on medical jargon. By breaking down the language barrier, it empowers patients to take an active role in their healthcare decisions, reducing anxiety and improving communication with doctors.

2

How does 'Was hab' ich?' improve doctor-patient communication?

‘Was hab’ ich?’ improves doctor-patient communication by providing clear, concise translations of medical reports. When patients can understand their own medical information in simple terms, they are better able to ask questions, explain their concerns, and discuss treatment plans with their doctors. This leads to more informed conversations and more effective healthcare decisions.

3

Why is health literacy important for patients?

Health literacy is crucial because it enables individuals to understand and manage their own health effectively. When patients can comprehend medical information, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their care, follow treatment recommendations, and take proactive steps toward better health outcomes. This is especially important for younger or less experienced individuals who may not be familiar with medical terminology.

4

How does 'Was hab' ich?' contribute to the healthcare system as a whole?

‘Was hab’ ich?’ contributes to the healthcare system by reducing misunderstandings and errors that can occur when patients do not fully understand their medical reports. This leads to better health outcomes, lower costs due to fewer preventable complications, and a more patient-centered approach to care. The initiative also helps train future doctors in communication skills, ensuring that they are better equipped to explain complex information clearly.

5

What is the role of volunteer medical students and doctors in 'Was hab' ich?'

Volunteer medical students and doctors play a key role in ‘Was hab’ ich?’ by translating medical reports into plain language. Their expertise ensures that the translated information is accurate and easy to understand. This not only benefits patients but also helps future medical professionals develop their communication skills, preparing them to explain complex medical information more clearly to their own patients.

Newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to get the latest articles and insights directly in your inbox.