USE OF INCLUSIVE VERBAL AND WRITTEN LANGUAGE

To recognize that stigmatizing and derogatory language can be a barrier to safe and optimal patient care as well as compromise effective communication among healthcare team members; further,

To promote the use of inclusive verbal and written language in patient care delivery and healthcare communication; further,

To urge healthcare leadership to promote use of inclusive language; further,

To provide education, resources, and competencies for the pharmacy workforce to champion the use of inclusive verbal and written language.

Rationale

Inclusive verbal and written language (i.e., language that is free of stigma, bias, and oppression) is essential for the provision of equitable patient care. The use of derogatory and stigmatizing language in the healthcare environment is a risk to patient safety and a threat to optimal health. In addition, when used among care team members, it introduces a culturally insensitive and noninclusive work environment. Stigmatizing language may fuel and trigger implicit or explicit bias in a healthcare clinician or team member and harm patients, worsen health outcomes, and compromise team dynamics. Derogatory and stigmatizing language may occur between patients and the care team, among care team members, and in medical documentation. Commitment to the use of conscious language—the intentional use of words and terms to create empathetic, inclusive, and non-stigmatizing content—is suggested as an alternative to ensure language and communication does not lead to poorer health outcomes, health inequities, and stigma.

The use of stigmatizing and derogatory language in medical chart documentation becomes even more damaging as patients have increased access to their own health records (Davis B. Derogatory language in charting: the domino effect. Patient Safety. 2021; 3:74-8.). Patients may not be empowered to take ownership of their care if stigmatizing and derogatory language is used. The same can apply for verbal communications. The use of argot or slang to disguise the meaning to bystanders may be useful to build bonds between colleagues but is unprofessional and creates judgments about patients not based in facts (Goldman B. Derogatory slang in the hospital setting. AMA J Ethics. 2015; 17:167-71).

There are multiple strategies for eliminating the use of stigmatizing language in the course of caring for a patient, such as using person-first and technical language and avoiding the use of sensational or fear-based language. Eliminating derogatory and stigmatizing language from healthcare settings requires leadership commitment across the spectrum of care delivery and an educated and empowered healthcare workforce. Pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians have a professional duty to provide culturally competent and compassionate patient care and can serve as champions in eliminating the use of stigmatizing language in healthcare.