How to Explain Procedures in English to Patients Clearly

Let’s break it down together. This guide will help you explain procedures in English more clearly, using natural phrases, avoiding confusion, and keeping your patients informed and calm. Sound familiar? If you work in healthcare and English isn’t your first language, one of the hardest parts of your job might be this: explaining medical procedures clearly to patients.

I’ve worked with many ESL healthcare professionals over the years — nurses, assistants, techs — who told me the same thing. They understand the procedure perfectly… but when it’s time to explain it to a patient, they freeze or overcomplicate the message.

What is a Procedure? Definition and Example

Why It Matters to Explain Procedures in English the Right Way

When you explain a procedure, you’re not just sharing information — you’re building trust.

Patients feel nervous or vulnerable when they don’t understand what’s happening. Even native speakers get confused by medical language. If English is your second language, you’ll need to make extra effort to keep your message clear, calm, and simple.

I once watched a nurse try to explain a catheter insertion to a patient using terms like “urethral access” and “tubular insertion.” The patient panicked. The same nurse tried again later and said, “We’ll gently insert a small, soft tube so your bladder can empty.” The difference? Clarity, calm tone, and everyday language.

Common Phrases to Explain Procedures in English

These are the kinds of phrases that work well in real situations. You don’t need to sound like a medical textbook — you just need to sound clear and kind.

Start with Reassurance

• “I’m going to walk you through the steps.”

• “This will only take a few minutes.”

• “Let me explain what we’re going to do.”

Describe What Will Happen

• “First, we’ll take a small blood sample.”

• “We’ll clean the area and apply some numbing cream.”

• “You may feel a little pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt.”

Manage Expectations

• “You might feel sore afterwards, but that’s normal.”

• “It’s okay to ask questions at any time.”

• “Some people feel lightheaded — if you do, just tell me.”

Confirm Understanding

• “Do you have any questions before we begin?”

• “Can I go over any part again for you?”

• “Would you like me to explain it another way?”

Essential Medical Terms for ESL Healthcare Workers

Tips to Explain Procedures in English Without Confusion

Here’s what I’ve learned coaching ESL professionals:

1. Use Short Sentences

Try:
✅ “We’ll take an X-ray of your chest.”
Not:
❌ “We’re going to proceed with diagnostic imaging to evaluate your thoracic cavity.”

Keep it short. Patients respond better to 6th-grade level English — not medical jargon.

2. Avoid Technical Terms (Unless Asked)

If a patient wants detail, give it. But always begin simple:
“This test checks your blood sugar” → not → “It evaluates your glucose metabolism.”

3. Use Visuals or Gestures

Point to the part of the body. Draw if you need to. Many ESL professionals say this helps them feel more confident too — less pressure on perfect words.

4. Slow Down (But Don’t Shout)

Speaking slowly and clearly builds trust. You don’t need to speak louder. Just pause more.

5. Repeat Key Instructions

Especially post-procedure:
“Don’t eat for 6 hours. No food. Just water. I’ll write it down for you.”

Small Talk for Medical Professionals to Build Trust & Comfort

Explain Procedures in English: Explaining an IV to a Patient

Instead of saying:

“We’ll be inserting an intravenous catheter into your arm to administer fluids and medications.”

Try this:

“We’re going to place a small tube in your arm. It will give your body medicine and fluids directly.”

Sounds easier, right? This is how you explain procedures in English without overwhelming your patient — or yourself.

When You’re Not Sure What to Say

I get it — sometimes your mind goes blank.

Here are simple ways to pause or ask for time without sounding unsure:

• “Let me check how to explain this best.”

• “I just want to make sure I explain this clearly.”

• “One moment while I double-check something for you.”

Patients appreciate honesty and care. It’s better to pause than to rush or confuse.

What Are Procedures? (With Tips, Definition, and Examples)

Explain Procedures in English: It’s About Clarity, Not Perfection

You don’t need perfect English to explain medical procedures — just clear, calm, and kind English.

Practice a few phrases at a time. Ask colleagues how they explain things. Write your own versions of common procedures in your notebook. Test them out. The more you explain, the easier it gets.

And if a patient looks confused? That’s normal. You can always say, “Let me explain it another way.” That sentence alone shows you care — and that’s what they’ll remember.