Words Matter: Improving Word Choice When Talking to Patients and Families

At the heart of communication are decisions related to language and word choice. No matter the health care setting, words and phrases can have a significant impact on patients, families, and team members; though well intentioned, some word choices can create distance when the goal is to improve connection.

In this webinar, speakers Terry Altilio, LCSW, APHSW-C and Anne Kelemen, LICSW, APHSW-C will review common language used in health care settings, raising awareness about the influence of word choice on patients, families, staff, and outcomes. They will provide examples of common words and phrases used across settings, which may have unintended consequences. By the end of the session, participants will be able to challenge silence, and suggest alternative phrasings and interventions to improve word choice.