Page 34 - ASCO Cultural Competency Toolkit

EVOLVING TERMINOLOGY IN HEALTHCARE AND INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE
According to the Linguistic Society of America, inclusive language acknowledges diversity, conveys
respect to all people, is sensitive to differences, and promotes equal opportunities. (Linguistic Society,
2016) Words matter and culturally competent care begins with words. Using language that
acknowledges each person while disengaging from language that perpetuates oppression opens the
door to personalized care. Additionally, to achieve a culturally safe clinical environment as
determined by the patient, physicians should be mindful of differences in privilege and power
imbalances, and use language in the exam room that respects the spectrum of gender expression,
spirituality, and neurodiversity. For example, inclusive intake and history forms should include a place
for gender diverse patients to identify themselves (e.g., under the areas of title, pronouns, gender, and
sex assigned at birth). Including a free text or write-in option is also a way to consider that everyone
may not identify within the boxes provided on any given form.
General guidelines for inclusive language include the following (Likis, 2021) (Campbell, 2019):
▪ Avoid bias and disrespect.
▪ Use “people-first” language, such as a patient with myopia versus a myopic patient. This centers
the patient before their condition. One caveat is that some individuals prefer identity-first
language; for example, Deaf individuals may identify with the culture and community of being
deaf. This highlights a key principle of inclusive behavior: to treat others as they want to be
treated by asking how they would like to be identified.
▪ Only include identity information such as race or sexual orientation if it is relevant.
▪ Avoid using language that infers bias toward one group as the norm, such as non-heterosexuals.
This is a form of othering that implies one group is abnormal.
▪ Do not make assumptions with patients; ask.
The way language is used may reveal implicit biases and enforce harmful stereotypes. As such, inclusive language use has become standard practice in many fields. The terms included below do not cover the full range of options, nor is it an exhaustive list. Instead, they provide examples of terms commonly used in clinical practice that may require more discussion or information from the patient before use.
the most appropriate term requires a commitment to lifelong learning and adjusting accordingly.
Thus, choosing the right words requires time and intention. (Campbell, 2019)
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This is ever-changing, and there can be a lack of cohesion around certain terms. Selecting