The Sussex Health and Care Organization has made significant changes to the language used in its medical services. In this regard, the term 'patient' has been changed to 'experienced professional', 'client', or 'consumer'. This decision was made due to concerns about feelings of discomfort and threat from patients.
Replacement of Traditional Terms
The organization's managers have also banned the term 'normal' and suggested replacing it with 'non-disabled person'. They believe these changes can prevent feelings of alienation among patients. In this context, terms like 'assessment', 'empowered', and 'discharge' should also not be used to alleviate the fears of anxious patients. Instead, the term 'warm handover' has been introduced as an alternative.
Words and Their Impact
According to a 26-page report, the language used in the workplace can significantly impact patients' feelings and experiences. The report emphasizes that words have power; they can create feelings of understanding and empathy or conversely, feelings of alienation and harm. For example, the term 'assessment' may lead patients to think they are being tested, and the term 'discharge' conveys a sense of finality.
This guide also recommends that staff pay attention to their colleagues' language in the workplace and challenge them if they hear inappropriate language. This action is aimed at increasing cultural sensitivity and improving patient experience.
However, there has been significant criticism of these changes. Some critics believe that these policies may benefit those who are not proficient in English, and semantically, some of these changes may seem meaningless. For instance, Lord Young, leader of the Union for Free Speech, has objected to the non-use of the term 'patient', stating that these changes not only create cultural disasters but also expose older staff to the risk of unfair penalties.
In response to the criticisms, a spokesperson for Sussex Health emphasized that this guide is merely a guideline and not the organization's official policy. This guide was prepared in collaboration with individuals who use mental health services and staff in the field to respond to feedback received regarding inappropriate language.
These changes come at a time when, a few months ago, the health organization in Lancashire teaching hospitals advised staff not to use traditional phrases like 'the early bird catches the worm' as they may not be well understood in other cultures.
