Our Words Matter: How to Reduce Stigma and Bias in Clinical Communication

In the era of open notes, clinicians increasingly consider how our words can affect the patient’s experience in the healthcare system. An emerging body of literature demonstrates how our words impact provider, patient and public attitudes, affect patient’s likelihood of accessing care and influence medical decision making, such as pain management choices. The talk will review the evidence and provide practical strategies for mitigating the transmission of bias and stigma in the medical record.