Inclusive Language Guide

What is Inclusive Language?

Inclusive language is communication that avoids exclusion, stereotypes, or assumptions. It respects self-identification and reduces stigma. In healthcare, inclusive language directly influences trust, treatment adherence, and overall patient satisfaction (Johnson Dawkins & Daum, 2022).

Why it matters in healthcare

Patients are more likely to adhere to treatment when addressed respectfully (Souvatzi et al., 2024).
Stigmatizing language is linked to poorer health outcomes, particularly in mental health and substance use disorders (Volkow, Gordon, & Koob, 2021).
Inclusive workplace communication improves staff morale and reduces burnout.

Principles of inclusive communication

Person-First Language
Emphasize the person before the condition.

✅ “Person living with diabetes”

❌ “Diabetic

Respect Self-Identification
Ask for and use chosen names and pronouns.

✅ “What pronouns do you use?”

❌ Assuming identity based on appearance or paperwork

Avoid Stereotypes
Do not link behavior or performance to gender, race, or ability.

✅ “She is an assertive leader”

❌ “She is aggressive for a woman”

Plain Language
Avoid jargon unless explained.

✅ “High blood pressure” → explained before saying “hypertension”

Gender Inclusivity
Use neutral and affirming terms.

✅ “Partner” instead of assuming “husband/wife”

✅ “Pregnant person” when gender identity is unknown or diverse

Practical applications in healthcare

Clinical documentation: Incorporate inclusive terminology prompts in medical records and electronic health systems.
Training: Provide staff with role-play scenarios to practice respectful communication.
Onboarding: Include inclusive language guides in induction materials for new staff.
Policy alignment: Ensure communication guidelines align with DEI and patient safety standards.

Mini-tool: CLEAR Communication Framework

Choose person-first terms

Listen and adapt to self-identification

Eliminate stereotypes

Apply gender and cultural inclusivity

Respect clarity and accessibility

✨ Clear, respectful communication is one of the simplest but most powerful ways to improve trust and equity in healthcare. Inclusive Language quick tips will be shared soon

✨ Coming Soon: Additional toolkits and downloadable resources will be added soon. All tools are adaptable across healthcare settings and designed for both individual professionals and organizations.

References

Kunal Babla, Sinny Lau, Omowunmi Akindolie, Trisha Radia, Camilla Kingdon, Andrew Bush, Atul Gupta, Allyship: an incremental approach to addressing microaggressions in medicine, Paediatrics and Child Health,Volume 32, Issue 7, 2022, Pages 273-275, ISSN 1751-7222, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paed.2022.04.006.
Gebhardt M. C. (2024). Editorial: Allyship-Not the Solution, But a Way Forward. Clinical orthopaedics and related research, 482(2), 217–218. https://doi.org/10.1097/CORR.0000000000002962
Williams, D. R., & Cooper, L. A. (2019). Reducing Racial Inequities in Health: Using What We Already Know to Take Action. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(4), 606. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16040606
Macias-Konstantopoulos, W. L., Collins, K. A., Diaz, R., Duber, H. C., Edwards, C. D., Hsu, A. P., Ranney, M. L., Riviello, R. J., Wettstein, Z. S., & Sachs, C. J. (2023). Race, Healthcare, and Health Disparities: A Critical Review and Recommendations for Advancing Health Equity. The western journal of emergency medicine, 24(5), 906–918. https://doi.org/10.5811/westjem.58408
Hood, A. M. (2025). Racism in pain management causes needless suffering. BMJ, 389, Article r848. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.r848
Diao, J. A., & Adamson, A. S. (2022). Representation and misdiagnosis of dark skin in a large-scale visual diagnostic challenge. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 86(4), 950–951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2021.03.088
Venkataraman, S., Nguyen, M., & Boatright, D. (2024). Barriers to Advancement-Unequal Opportunities in Academic Promotion Based on Race, Ethnicity, and Gender. JAMA network open, 7(11), e2445971. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.45971
Pardhan, S., Sehmbi, T., Wijewickrama, R., Onumajuru, H., & Piyasena, M. P. (2025). Barriers and facilitators for engaging underrepresented ethnic minority populations in healthcare research: an umbrella review. International journal for equity in health, 24(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-025-02431-4
Drwecki B. B. (2015). Education to identify and combat racial bias in pain treatment. AMA journal of ethics, 17(3), 221–228. https://doi.org/10.1001/journalofethics.2015.17.3.medu1-1503
Johnson Dawkins, D., & Daum, D.N. (2022, Month). Person-first Language in Healthcare: The Missing Link in Healthcare Simulation Training. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 71, 135-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2022.03.002
Souvatzi, E., Katsikidou, M., Arvaniti, A., Plakias, S., Tsiakiri, A., & Samakouri, M. (2024). Trust in Healthcare, Medical Mistrust, and Health Outcomes in Times of Health Crisis: A Narrative Review. Societies, 14(12), 269. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14120269
Volkow, N. D., Gordon, J. A., & Koob, G. F. (2021). Choosing appropriate language to reduce the stigma around mental illness and substance use disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 46(13), 2230–2232. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-021-01069-4