The words we use in healthcare can either support understanding or create barriers. This session explores how language choices, health literacy demands, and communication practices affect patient comprehension, trust, and equitable access to care. Participants will gain practical insights into using clear, inclusive, and culturally responsive language to better support patient understanding and advance health equity.
Objectives:
1. Identify how language, literacy levels, and communication norms can unintentionally create barriers to care, particularly for patients from historically marginalized communities, women, or those with a native language other than English.
2. Apply practical strategies to improve patient understanding and engagement by using plain language, culturally responsive communication, and health literate practices that promote trust and equity.
