Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Big Words.
What comes to mind when you think of Medical Narration? Clinical terms and complicated words that are hard to pronounce, perhaps? Words such as Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis (a disease of the lungs caused by inhalation of very fine silicate or quartz dust) and Choledocholithiasis (stones in the gallbladder) are a mouthful and require precise, accurate pronunciation, but there’s more to medical narration than just big words. Not only does it require communication of scientific information and complex topics, it may also require empathy, trust, confidence and warmth, depending on the project. Medical narration is made up of its own set of sub genres, unique to healthcare. Here are a few of my favorites….
Medical eLearning.
Students, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, epidemiologists, x-ray technicians and all other clinical professionals may benefit from eLearning, whether they’re seeking a degree, certificate, or continuing education credits. Asynchronous medical eLearning allows students and professionals to learn on their own time, in between shifts, at night, or on the weekends. As an instructor at Southern New Hampshire University in the Public Health Program, I appreciate the many hats my students wear while they pursue their degrees, and I am so glad this option is available to them. Medical eLearning requires a narrator who is professional, supportive, detail oriented and knowledgeable.
Patient Education.
Patients need to understand their plan of care in order to successfully participate in their treatment, and patient education videos help to make that happen. Recently, I needed to watch a video for an at-home sleep study. The narrator was clear, encouraging and helpful. They made what could have been a complicated and confusing process, simple. Patient education videos promote shared decision making, help communicate important medical information and engage patients in treatment. These videos need a narrator that is approachable, friendly and trustworthy.
Pharmaceutical Information.
Have you ever read the fine print on the package insert that goes with your medication? Yes or no, there’s a lot of important information there, and it’s required by the FDA. This info includes contraindications, precautions, adverse reactions, and drug interactions. It requires a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and present voice to relay this information to the user.
Notes, Podcasts and Clinical Trials, Oh My!
There are many other subgenres of medical narration. Medical notes are delivered from the clinician’s perspective and document progress, consultation, procedures, therapies, and other patient interactions, and require a direct, confident and authoritative voice. Medical podcasts require intros and outros that engage the listener and set the tone for the topic of discussion. Clinical trials bring to life medical advancements, discoveries and technologies. Trust, authenticity and empathy are important voice qualities in narration for clinical trials.
And there’s so much more! Like other forms of voiceover, medical narration tells a story, and the audience informs the purpose and tone. Medical narrators are the voice of the clinician…and if they do a good job, the listener will pick up on their excellent bedside manner.
To hear my take on medical narration, check out my medical narration demo.
Until next time!
XOXO
Sarah