Language matters: a UK perspective

• Published in: Diabetic medicine 2018-12, Vol.35 (12), p.1635-1641
• Main Authors: Lloyd, C. E., Wilson, A., Holt, R. I. G., Whicher, C., Kar, P., Kar, Partha, Cooper, Anne, Kanumilli, Naresh, Hill, Jill, Holt, Richard I. G., Howarth, Daniel, Lloyd, Cathy E., Nagi, Dinesh, Naik, Sarita, Nash, Jen, Nelson, Helena, Owen, Katharine, Swindell, Bob, Walker, Rosie, Whicher, Clare, Wilmot, Emma
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Best practice; Communication; Communication Barriers; Diabetes; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetes Mellitus - therapy; Education, Medical, Continuing; Humans; Language; Physician patient relationships; Physician-Patient Relations; Social Skills; United Kingdom
• ISSN: 0742-3071; 1464-5491
• DOI: 10.1111/dme.13801

Aim To review the existing evidence regarding the use of language in clinical encounters. Background Awareness of the importance of language in clinical encounters is mostly lacking or located within broader discussions on communication. Methods A scoping study was conducted to review existing research that could increase our understanding of the role language plays as well as identify gaps in knowledge and inform the development of a position statement on language in diabetes care. Results Evidence shows that, although carefully chosen language can have a positive effect, there is a potential negative impact of language on people's experiences of diabetes care. The use of stigmatizing and discriminatory words during communication between healthcare practitioners and people with diabetes can lead to disengagement with health services as well as sub‐optimal diabetes self‐management. Clinical encounters can be compromised where language barriers exist or where there is limited understanding of cultural differences that may have an impact on diabetes self‐management. What little empirical evidence there is shows that training can improve language and communication skills. Conclusion This review raises a number of questions that are being addressed by the NHS England Language Matters Group, which has developed a set of recommendations to support the use of appropriate language in clinical encounters. What's new? This paper reviews existing evidence regarding the use of language in clinical encounters. Poor language practices can lead to stigma, lack of engagement with self‐management, low satisfaction with care and poor clinical outcomes. Research has demonstrated the importance of good communication skills and that appropriate use of language can benefit psychosocial well‐being and support optimal diabetes self‐management. Our review has directly informed the publication of a UK Position Statement on Language Matters.