The Impact of Health Professionals’ Language on Patient Experience: A Case Study

Abstract

When people become patients, they become vulnerable to their healthcare system and healthcare clinicians. In this case study, we describe an example of patient distress caused by language overheard in the perioperative environment. Clinicians need to be mindful that the language we use may have a significant impact on patient experience, be it during direct conversation or from conversations overheard. This is an important component of patient-centered care.