Language Matters: How the Words We Use Impact Clinical Practice

Are there times when you don’t know what to say to a patient, or have said something you’d like to change? Do you wonder how patients may be hearing what we say, describe, explain? The words we choose to use with our patients, families and colleagues have power, meaning, and consequences. Recognizing the power of words and phrases in practice will improve patient care. Acknowledging our own biases in words and the language we use will improve our clinical abilities. In this session, we will look at common phrases used in hospice care and discuss options and provide suggestions that can improve care and your ability to communicate effectively with patients, families and colleagues.