When doctors and nurses hand off patient information from one shift to another, the language they use behind closed doors can have a significant impact on patient care. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open sheds light on how biased language in clinical handoffs can affect clinicians’ empathy towards patients and their ability to recall critical health details. Titled “Biased Language in Simulated Handoffs and Clinician Recall and Attitudes,” the study highlights the importance of using neutral and medically relevant language during handoffs to prevent hidden biases from influencing patient care.
Lead author Austin Wesevich, MD, MPH, MS, a hematologist and health services researcher at the University of Chicago Medicine, explains that negative or biased language used to describe patients can cloud the minds of listeners and ultimately impact the care they provide. In a survey-based experiment conducted as part of the study, clinicians were exposed to handoff scenarios with both neutral and biased language. The results showed that biased language not only affected clinicians’ attitudes towards patients but also impaired their ability to accurately recall key medical details.
The researchers emphasize that avoiding bias in handoffs is crucial for improving patient outcomes, especially for racially minoritized patients who are more likely to experience medical errors in their care. Standardizing handoff procedures by focusing on sharing only relevant facts and excluding unnecessary commentary or personal biases can help mitigate the impact of biased language on patient care.
While efforts are being made at the institutional level to implement standardized guidelines for handoffs, patients and their families can also play a role in advocating for themselves. By asking questions, ensuring important details are communicated, and speaking up if something doesn’t seem right, patients can help counteract the effects of bias in clinical handoffs.
Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of promoting a culture of respect and neutrality in healthcare communication to ensure that all patients receive the highest quality of care. By raising awareness about the impact of biased language in clinical handoffs and implementing strategies to address it, healthcare institutions can work towards improving patient safety and well-being.
