Presenting complaint: use of language that disempowers patients.

Abstract

Caitríona Cox and Zoë Fritz argue that outdated medical language that casts doubt, belittles, or blames patients jeopardises the therapeutic relationship and is overdue for change Language is important. It is a vehicle for sharing knowledge and understanding, and a means by which we can express and communicate our values to others. In a medical context, language does more than transfer information between patients and healthcare providers—it has the potential to shape therapeutic relationships.1 2 Indeed, specific word choices and phrases affect how patients view their health and illness,3 reflect healthcare workers’ perceptions of their patients,4-6 and influence medical care and treatments offered.4 7 Language in medical narratives also shapes how trainees think, talk, and act, perpetuating any ingrained biases.8