| Neologisms in medical practice: their potential to be 'useful', 'useless' or 'misleading'. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 16350705 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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BACKGROUND: The advances in human endeavours have led to changes in technology. New words, neologisms, have been creeping up and are coined with astounding speed. While these terms are fascinating etymologically, their impact needs to be appreciated from a realistic perspective to keep one aware of the collateral changes we are importing into common language, particularly in medical practice. The aim of this paper is to identify some of such neologisms, outline their current use and then discuss their potential to be 'useful' 'useless' or 'misleading'. METHODS: Terminologies in medical practice and information technology have been selected by the authors and their meanings have been analysed. RESULTS: The terminologies of our present interest include: Computer literacy; Surfing the web; Networking; Information technology; Medical informatics; Telemedicine; Capacity building; Problem-based learning; Mentoring; Learning curve; Evidence-based medicine; Impression; Comorbid conditions; Family medicine; Andropause; Surgical site infection; Confidence interval. CONCLUSION: Neologisms are inescapable in the face of rapid advances in knowledge, equipment and information dissemination to and through diverse cultures and languages. In their assimilation, we should be considerate in discarding familiar terms that have served time. |
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Authors:
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N Eke; K E O Nkananginieme |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Nigerian journal of medicine : journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria Volume: 14 ISSN: 1115-2613 ISO Abbreviation: Niger J Med Publication Date: 2005 Jul-Sep |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2005-12-14 Completed Date: 2006-01-12 Revised Date: 2007-11-15 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 100888321 Medline TA: Niger J Med Country: Nigeria |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 311-4 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Surgery, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Humans Terminology as Topic* |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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