Words matter: Destigmatizing the language of medicine through research, training, and future directions for emergency medicine

Background

In emergency medicine (EM), language choice significantly impacts patient care and can potentially cause harm, dehumanize patients, and introduce bias. Stigmatizing language in medical settings can affect patient dignity, trust, and outcomes. Despite its importance, there is limited education on avoiding stigmatizing language in EM. This concept paper addresses the need to raise awareness and develop strategies for use of inclusive language in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

A didactic session titled “Words Matter: Destigmatizing the Language of Medicine” was developed and presented at the 2024 Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Annual Meeting. The session involved a collaborative team of 12 individuals, including an EM resident, health equity fellow, and EM faculty. Content creation involved a comprehensive literature review and consensus-based decision making. The session featured current research related to stigmatizing language and interactive components, including case-based discussions and equity-focused alternative language choices.

Results

The didactic session, attended by approximately 70 participants, successfully highlighted the impact of stigmatizing language on health care disparities and patient trust. Interactive case studies allowed participants to identify and propose alternatives to stigmatizing language. The session provided actionable strategies for integrating inclusive language into practice and education. Postdidactic discussions emphasized the need for ongoing research and specific educational interventions to address stigmatizing language in EM.

Conclusions

Addressing stigmatizing language in EM is crucial for providing equitable and respectful patient care. The didactic session demonstrated effective methods for raising awareness and training health care professionals in using inclusive language. Future efforts should focus on developing standardized approaches for identifying and mitigating stigmatizing language, integrating these practices into training programs, and conducting longitudinal research to assess the impact on patient outcomes. Creating a culture of inclusive language in the ED will contribute to improved patient trust and care quality.