Inclusive language puts our humanity at the center; it allows everyone to feel recognized, valued, invited and motivated to contribute at their highest level. If our words but not our deeds change, we have failed.
Yet learning about and using respectful, identity-affirming language is key to creating a welcoming environment that is antiracist and embraces diversity as a whole. The OHSU Inclusive Language Guide is intended as an evolving tool to help OHSU members learn about and use inclusive language in institutional communications, patient care including chart notes , instruction and presentations around descriptors of:. Campus leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion and in communications convened a six-person, diverse, cross-institutional Inclusive Language Project Team.
See appendix. In all, OHSU members responded to the survey. They expressed strong agreement that a guide is needed to better focus and achieve the aspirations of respect for all.
Moreover, with their insights and feedback, the guide became a unique reflection of OHSU, its members and what it means to a diverse range of individuals to feel seen and respected. It will take time to update language across platforms and software applications such as Epic and Oracle.
Often, change related to gender and race will require conversations with vendors and the evolution of government descriptors. In some instances, arriving at standard descriptors is not possible given the diversity of human identity and the imprecision and evolution of descriptors. But OHSU members have made clear that education and guidance where possible is needed. The goal of using inclusive language is not transactional β it is not about getting it right or wrong as much as it is about a paradigm shift.
