Adapted from Core Principles - Temple Health with input from people living with IBD and an expert steering committee. The list of principles below is not an all-inclusive list and may not apply to all people living with IBD.
Use mindful
person-first language
Instead of referring to someone as an “IBD patient” use “person living with IBD”
Avoid stereotypes
and generalizations
Refrain from using terms like “non-compliant,” or “poor historian” that can perpetuate negative stereotypes
Assign blame to the system or disease, not the individual
For example: “patient chooses” rather than “refuses”; “Medication failed in this person with Crohn's disease” rather than “patient failed this medication”; “the symptoms of IBD are causing difficulty” instead of “the patient is not managing their condition properly”
Eliminate derogatory terms or negative connotations
For example: convict, prostitute, alien, sickly, weak, burden
Think critically and be intentional about using social identifiers
For example: race, socioeconomic status, and language don't belong in the one-liner, choose phrases that promote empowerment, resilience, and understanding
State the facts – avoid interpretations
For example: “patient alleges/claims 10/10 pain”
Use inclusive language
For example: “patient uses a wheelchair” rather than “wheelchair-bound”; people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis vs subgroups
Use the active voice
For example: “I prescribed biologics” rather than passive language “Biologics were prescribed by me”
Avoid misusing quotes or exaggerating descriptions
For example: “The patient reported experiencing significant pain” instead of patient is having “horrible” pain
Related Patient Resources
Mental Health
A webpage from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation that focuses on the connection between IBD and mental health. It highlights the impact of IBD on mental well-being and discusses common psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and body image concerns that may arise in individuals with IBD.
Visit Site
Open Path
Open Path is a non-profit organization that offers a platform to find therapists providing affordable in-office and online psychotherapy sessions for clients who are uninsured and underinsured. The page includes a search function to find a therapist by entering a city or zip code.
Visit site
Reference
- 1. Healy M, Richard A, Kidia K. How to reduce stigma and bias in clinical communication: a narrative review. J Gen Intern Med. 2022;37(10):2533-2540. doi:10.1007/s11606-022-07609-y.