More than just pronouns – gender-neutral and inclusive language in patient education materials: suggestions for patient education librarians

Abstract

Trusted patient education materials are the backbone of an effective consumer health library. However, members of the LGBTQ+ community may not see themselves or their families reflected in many resources due to the gendered and non-inclusive language they are written in. This article outlines some suggestions for concrete actions that patient librarians can take to ensure that their materials are not excluding LGBTQ+ patients.

An Analysis of the Use of Gender-Inclusive Terminology Amongst Radiology Vendors: Moving Forward From “Women’s Imaging”

“…4 The use of gendered language further supports the need for revising and updating the linguistic approach in radiology to better serve all patient groups. 5,6 Limitations to this study were that our analysis was limited to vendors participating in the RSNA 2022 Annual Meeting and our evaluation of gender-inclusive language was restricted to vendor web pages and did not extend to other forms of communication, such as advertisements, social media, or direct patient-provider interactions. This could potentially overlook other areas where gendered language is more, or less, prevalent.…”

“…4 The use of gendered language further supports the need for revising and updating the linguistic approach in radiology to better serve all patient groups. 5,6…”

My Partner Is My Family

“…8 Using the wrong words can negatively affect a goals of care (GOC) conversation, or any other interaction type in the course of care, by creating additional barriers to care. 23 Clinicians should avoid speaking in generalities regarding sexual orientation and gender identity similar to how they would avoid assumptions about a patient's family construct (eg, parents or guardians), racial or ethnic identity, ability, age, and other characteristics. 8,19 Also critical is how health professionals' education plays a large role in communication, specifically how to facilitate conversations that allow the patient not only to feel safe to disclose their identity but also to be inclusive of all support systems, including family of choice and other chosen support beyond or instead of biological family.…”

“…Although it may be the case that the use of gendered words such as “you guys” might not offend a patient or their partner, using these words without confirmation may disrupt what is often a delicate trust emerging in the clinician-patient/partner relationship 8 . Using the wrong words can negatively affect a goals of care (GOC) conversation, or any other interaction type in the course of care, by creating additional barriers to care 23 . Clinicians should avoid speaking in generalities regarding sexual orientation and gender identity similar to how they would avoid assumptions about a patient's family construct (eg, parents or guardians), racial or ethnic identity, ability, age, and other characteristics 8,19 …”