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*STR’S COMMITMENT TO NON-STIGMATIZING LANGUAGE IN LUNG CANCER CARE | *STR’S COMMITMENT TO NON-STIGMATIZING LANGUAGE IN LUNG CANCER CARE | ||
*"Whether we as chest imagers realize it or not, our very language can have a negative impact on the care for the patients we serve. As published studies continue to demonstrate, smoking-related language bias often stigmatizes our patients with a smoking history and results in suboptimal care and less than desirable clinical outcomes... Instead of a report stigmatizing the patient as a “smoker,” consider describing the patient as a “person who smokes.” Rather than a “nicotine addict,” an expression such as a “person with a nicotine dependence” attenuates the common stigmatization of these patients. One will notice these alternative descriptors utilize a person-first approach rather than a habit-based one. This approach can and should be adopted in publications, society and conference presentations as well as in daily training with residents and fellows. Ultimately, this language shift more precisely aligns itself with a core underpinning of our approach to care – respect for our patients. | *"Whether we as chest imagers realize it or not, our very language can have a negative impact on the care for the patients we serve. As published studies continue to demonstrate, smoking-related language bias often stigmatizes our patients with a smoking history and results in suboptimal care and less than desirable clinical outcomes... Instead of a report stigmatizing the patient as a “smoker,” consider describing the patient as a “person who smokes.” Rather than a “nicotine addict,” an expression such as a “person with a nicotine dependence” attenuates the common stigmatization of these patients. One will notice these alternative descriptors utilize a person-first approach rather than a habit-based one. This approach can and should be adopted in publications, society and conference presentations as well as in daily training with residents and fellows. Ultimately, this language shift more precisely aligns itself with a core underpinning of our approach to care – respect for our patients. | ||
===2022: EX Program by Truth Initiative: [https://www.theexprogram.com/resources/blog/how-to-reduce-mental-health-stigma-smoking-stigma-in-the-workplace/ How to Reduce Mental Health Stigma, Smoking Stigma in the Workplace]=== | |||
*It can be tempting to dismiss these kinds of negative labels as simply semantics, but research has shown that language matters. Using person-first language like “people who smoke” instead of “smokers” acknowledges the tenacity of this disease, conveys dignity and greater respect, and can reduce smoking-related stigma. | |||
===2022: EX Program by Truth Initiative: [https://www.theexprogram.com/resources/blog/how-to-reduce-mental-health-stigma-smoking-stigma-in-the-workplace/ How to Reduce Mental Health Stigma, Smoking Stigma in the Workplace]=== | ===2022: EX Program by Truth Initiative: [https://www.theexprogram.com/resources/blog/how-to-reduce-mental-health-stigma-smoking-stigma-in-the-workplace/ How to Reduce Mental Health Stigma, Smoking Stigma in the Workplace]=== | ||
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