[Perception, translation and current use of English terms on the part of Italian non-physician healthcare personnel: a qualitative and quantitative survey].

The study of the use of English for medicine has become a continual source of enquiry. Aim of this survey was the systematic evaluation of the qualitative and quantitative perception, translation and current use of English terms on the part of Italian health operators. Eight English terms directly connected with the health scenario or related to it compliance", "imaging", "likelihood", "odds ratio", "outcome", "stent", "test", "trial") were selected and, by means of a paper registration form, they were administered to forty Italian health professionals (non-physicians), already active in the health sector and attending specialised health degree courses. The participants were asked to furnish up to two translational proposals for every single English term, and, after the written registration, there followed a structured oral discussion of the translation, perception and everyday use of the English terms in the working reality of the participants. This survey provides a scientific "real world" experience, and its qualitative and quantitative findings are of use in evaluating the level of correction in the adoption of English language on the part of health operators.