SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-The Language of Care: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Survey of Internal Medicine Resident and Faculty Practices Around Stigmatizing Language in Clinical Documentation

The Language of Care: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Survey of Internal Medicine Resident and Faculty Practices Around Stigmatizing Language in Clinical Documentation

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This multi-center cross-sectional survey examined how internal medicine residents, faculty, and advanced practice providers (APPs) understand and address stigmatizing language (SL) in clinical documentation. Stigmatizing language in the medical record can reinforce bias, influence clinical decisions, and worsen healthcare inequities. The study aimed to assess experiences, recognition, and attitudes related to SL at two large academic medical centers.<br /><br />The researchers created a survey with five knowledge questions including 11 evidence-based stigmatizing terms, plus questions about attitudes and experiences with SL. The survey was sent to residents and faculty/APPs.<br /><br />A total of 82 faculty/APPs responded, for a 52% response rate, and 63 residents responded, for a 21% response rate. Knowledge of stigmatizing language was limited: only 4% of faculty/APPs and 3% of residents correctly identified all SL terms. Despite this, participants generally viewed the topic as important and recognized that language affects both clinicians and patients. They also showed positive attitudes toward person-centered language.<br /><br />Overall, the findings suggest a gap between positive attitudes and actual knowledge or confidence in using stigma-free clinical documentation. The authors conclude that targeted education is needed to help faculty, APPs, and trainees recognize stigmatizing language and replace it with more equitable, person-centered documentation practices.

Asset Subtitle

Rebecca H. Dougherty

Meta Tag

Author List Bo Sun, Christine Santiago, Jason Hom, Julia Caton, Natasha Steele, Rebecca H. Dougherty

Category Research

Concept Stigmatizing Language

Concept Clinical Documentation

Concept Stigma-Free Clinical Documentation

Concept Patient Care

Concept Bias

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Northwell Health

Presenting Author Rebecca H. Dougherty

Track Education

Keywords

stigmatizing language

clinical documentation

internal medicine residents

faculty and APPs

healthcare inequities

person-centered language

medical record bias

cross-sectional survey

clinical education

equitable documentation

Stigmatizing Language

Clinical Documentation

Stigma-Free Clinical Documentation

Patient Care

Bias