Abstract Content and Context Guide
This guide is designed to assist in writing an abstract using the most up-to-date, non-stigmatizing language and terminology.
Background: In the context of trauma-informed care (TIC), the language used by trauma physicians on websites, in publications, and in journal submissions can have a significant impact on patient outcomes and trust in the healthcare system. Words can either contribute to re-traumatization or foster a sense of safety and trust. These words can also become regular verbiage adopted by our peers, mentees, students thus propagating a vicious cycle which may negatively impact our patients.
As providers it is important to use this language in everyday practice which includes but is not limited to patient care, research papers, national discussions, etc.
Guidelines for Crafting an Effective and Respectful Title:
- Avoid catchy or sensationalist words and phrases: Words that are meant to grab attention through shock value or humor can be offensive or stigmatizing.
- Avoid terms like "battle," "war," "crisis," “abuse,” or "epidemic" when referring to health issues or patient experiences. This can dehumanize or mischaracterize trauma.
- Instead of "War on Addiction," use "Addressing Substance Use Disorders."
- Avoid terms like "battle," "war," "crisis," “abuse,” or "epidemic" when referring to health issues or patient experiences. This can dehumanize or mischaracterize trauma.
- Ensure verbiage is appropriate, inclusive and NOT offensive to any group: Choose words that are neutral and empathetic.
- Avoid terms that could be interpreted as judgmental, such as "victim" or "addict."
- Instead, use terms like "survivor" or "individual with substance use disorder."
- Avoid terms that could be interpreted as judgmental, such as "victim" or "addict."
- You can grab attention with a short, concise title that is not offensive: Effective titles don’t need to rely on shock or provocation.
- Aim for clarity and brevity while ensuring language remains respectful.
- Instead of "Frequent Flyers in the Trauma Bay," use "Patients with Recurrent Trauma Presentations."
- Aim for clarity and brevity while ensuring language remains respectful.
- Use powerful non-offensive words:
- Words like "collaboration," "healing," "resilience," and "support" convey strength without sensationalizing trauma.
- Instead of "Fighting Trauma," use "Advancing Trauma Care" to maintain a focus on positive action and patient-centered care.
- Words like "collaboration," "healing," "resilience," and "support" convey strength without sensationalizing trauma.
General Recommendations:
- Avoid Stigmatizing Terms: Refrain from using language that could dehumanize or criminalize patients.
- Instead of "repeat offender" or "recidivism," use "reinjury" or "recurrence."
- Replace "frequent flyer" with "patient with recurrent presentations."
- Instead of "repeat offender" or "recidivism," use "reinjury" or "recurrence."
- Use Empathetic Language: Language should reflect compassion and understanding of the patient’s situation.
- Avoid saying "lucky to be alive," which implies blame for the injury. Instead, acknowledge the trauma without judgment and with empathy.
- Avoid saying "lucky to be alive," which implies blame for the injury. Instead, acknowledge the trauma without judgment and with empathy.
- Be Aware of Implicit Bias: Ensure that language does not reflect stereotypes or assumptions about patients’ backgrounds or circumstances.
- Replace phrases like "minding their own business" with neutral descriptions that do not insinuate culpability.
- Educate Through Language: Use patient-centered language that aligns with the principles of TIC and sets an example for trainees.
- Replace "agitated" with "expressing distress," acknowledging the patient's emotional state without negative connotations.
- Replace “against medical advice” with “patient directed care”
Terminology For Special Populations:
- Substance Use Disorders: Use neutral language
- Replace “alcoholic, drunk, IVDU” with phrases such as “intoxicated patient” or “patient with a history of IV drug use”. Only use “substance use disorder” diagnosis if the patient has been evaluated and diagnosed with the disorder.
- Reconsider labeling the patient with SUD as a primary descriptor unless the diagnosis directly influences the current medical care. g. “A 39F IVDU presents with…” These details may be more appropriate in PMH or Social history.
- Minorities: many populations are considered minorities, the following are a few examples to consider when discussion these specific populations
- LGBTQIA++: use the appropriate terminology. The terminology and lexicon can frequently change, make sure you are familiar with the most up-to-date terms
- Resource: https://glaad.org/reference/terms/
- Non-English preferred language- Be mindful of how language preferences can impact patient care and communication.
- Avoid broad or vague terms such as "non-English speaking patients."
- Specify the language preference where relevant (e.g., "patients who preferred communication in Spanish"). This provides clarity and avoids homogenizing diverse language groups.
- Ethnic diversity: Always use the terms that align with how individuals and communities self-identify.
- For individuals of Hispanic or Latino descent, "Latinx" or "Latino/a" may be preferred, but some may identify simply as "Hispanic" or by their country of origin (e.g., "Mexican American" or "Puerto Rican").
- For individuals of African descent, "Black" or "African American" may be acceptable, though some prefer identifying by their nationality (e.g., "Nigerian American" or "Jamaican American").
- Be cautious of terms like "colored" or "Afro-American," which are outdated and offensive.
- Victims of violence: avoid using emotionally charged or potentially stigmatizing terms like “victim” or “survivor.” Instead, opt for neutral and descriptive language such as “individuals who experienced violence” or “patients affected by violence.”
- This maintains a focus on the event without placing labels that may carry unintended implications or bias.
- Patients in the penitentiary system: avoid dehumanizing labels about individuals in the justice system like "prisoner" or "inmate."
- Language like “patients involved with the penitentiary system” or “individuals in correctional facilities” focuses on the person rather than their incarceration status which helps maintain dignity and reduce stigma.
- Houseless, unhoused, non-domiciled, or “housing insecure”: avoid using terms like “homeless” or “transient,” which may carry negative connotations.
- Terms such as houseless, unhoused, non-domiciled, or “housing insecure” are respectful and neutral
- Remember to describe patients’ situations without implying judgment or permanence
- Older patients: The term "geriatric" can be used when referring to older adults in clinical contexts, especially in specialized fields such as geriatric medicine.
- Use inclusive and respectful language by incorporating terms such as “older adult”, or “older person”
- Avoid any potential for ageism or negative connotations.
- Avoid “elderly”, “aged”, “boomer” which imply frailty or dependency and can be associated with generational stereotypes.
- Person-first language such as "older adult with complex medical needs" or "person experiencing age-related changes," emphasizes the individuality and dignity of older adults.
- Instead of focusing on chronological age, consider functional status and health conditions.
- Terms like "frail older adult" or "fit older adult" can more accurately reflect patients’ overall health and capabilities.
- Language should support the autonomy and independence of older adults whenever possible.
- Terms that highlight their capabilities and strengths, such as "independent in daily living activities" or "actively engaged in community," promote a more positive and respectful view of aging.
- LGBTQIA++: use the appropriate terminology. The terminology and lexicon can frequently change, make sure you are familiar with the most up-to-date terms
Use Accurate Disease Names For Diagnosis:
- Describe medical conditions objectively and without judgmental or stigmatizing language.
- Accurate and neutral medical terminology ensures that patient care remains respectful and focused on diagnosis and treatment.
- Avoid inadvertently reinforcing negative stereotypes or assumptions. Instead of “dirty urine” use “urinalysis consistent with infection.”
- Instead of “malingering” use “patient with complex psychosocial motivation/situation.”
- Instead of "non-compliant patient," use "patient faces challenges in adhering to treatment plan due to [specific reason]."
- Instead of saying a patient is "in denial" about their illness, say that the "patient is struggling to accept the diagnosis."
This reflects empathy and an understanding of the emotional impact of illness.