Building Therapeutic Relationships: Choosing Words That Put People First

• DOI: 10.2337/cd16-0014
• Publication Date: 2017-01-16T19:08:48Z
• Authors: Jane K. Dickinson; Melinda D. Maryniuk
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; Departments; 0302 clinical medicine; 3. Good health

As health care professionals (HCPs), what we know, do, and say has an impact on people. People with diabetes come to us when they are vulnerable, our knowledge, actions, words give the power help them overcome their fear learn need take of themselves. Unfortunately, used in often lead shame instead.

When HCPs interact people who diagnosed diabetes, use such as “diabetic,” “should,” “test,” “control,” “noncompliant,” “morbidly obese.” Although these have been part lexicon for years, many find negative judgmental shut down hear them. Negative not helping better manage disease may even be hurting them.

People experience abundant guilt, shame, blame. Society general, particular, refer a “lifestyle disease.” This alone sends message judgment. The literature shows that make difference (1), some groups already taken initiative changing language specific health-related conditions. It is time do same.

The messages send can patient-provider communication and, ultimately, relationships. Through empower build trust rapport. increases likelihood patients will communicate openly honestly listen suggestions.

A movement new concept. Psychologists, professionals, lay community discussing more than half century. Diabetes Australia published position statement …