The words used by doctors and nurses during patient handoffs can have a significant impact on patient care, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open. The study, titled “Biased Language in Simulated Handoffs and Clinician Recall and Attitudes,” found that negatively biased language used to describe patients can lead to a decrease in empathy towards the patient and a decrease in the accuracy of recalling critical health details.
Lead author, Austin Wesevich, MD, MPH, MS, a hematologist and health services researcher at the University of Chicago Medicine, explained that biased language can cloud the mind of the listener and ultimately impact the care that the patient receives. The study built upon previous research conducted at Duke University, which found that negative or biased language was present in handoffs 23% of the time, particularly when discussing certain groups such as Black patients or patients with obesity.
In the follow-up survey-based experiment, clinicians listened to recorded handoffs that contained either neutral language or biased language expressing negative stereotypes, blame, or doubt about the patient. The results showed that clinicians who heard biased language were less likely to recall key medical details accurately and had a more negative attitude towards the patient.
The researchers noted that racially minoritized patients are more likely to experience medical errors in their care, and avoiding bias in handoffs could lead to increased empathy and reduced error rates, ultimately improving health outcomes. Standardizing handoffs by sharing only neutral, medically relevant facts and avoiding unnecessary commentary or personal frustrations could help prevent bias from affecting patient care.
While efforts are being made by healthcare institutions to design standardized guidelines and provide training to neutralize bias, patients and families can also play a role in advocating for themselves and their loved ones. By speaking up when something feels off, asking questions, and ensuring important details are communicated during handoffs, patients can help counter the effects of bias.
The study highlights the importance of addressing biased language in clinical handoffs to ensure that all patients receive the highest quality of care. By implementing standardized guidelines and promoting open communication, healthcare providers can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system for all patients.
