THIS week's contributor is Sally Benedek, Pharmacist, Diabetes Consultant & Trainer and Professional Services Account Manager at instigo Pharmacy Consulting- The Impact of Language in Diabetes Care: Language and the way healthcare professionals use language is powerful in affecting motivation, behaviour and outcomes, especially in patients living with diabetes. Diabetes is a complex condition and the "diabetes dialect" is often unintentionally negative which can have negative impacts on the person managing their condition. However, using positive and encouraging words can build relationships to enhance health outcomes and improve mental wellbeing.
An example is to use "condition" instead of "disease" which has negative undertones and is often used to describe an illness that can be contagious and incapacitating. Using "condition" is less stigmatising. Another example is to use "check" or "monitor" instead of "test". People with diabetes "check" or "monitor" their blood glucose to steer their decision making. It is not a pass or fail. One of the most common errors is using "diabetic" which defines the person by their condition. The more preferred phrase is "a person living with diabetes".
Using language that is non-judgemental, free from stigma, respectful and person-centred will change the way people feel and foster collaboration between patients and their healthcare professional. The most important thing is to listen to your patient and be considerate about the words you choose to build a trusting relationship with your patients and enhance their ability to manage their diabetes.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 07 Jan 19
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