Finding the Right Words: Cohesion and Divergence in Inclusive Language Guidelines

Abstract

Treating patients and colleagues with respect is a foundational value in the healthcare professions. In relating respectful behavior to inclusive communication, several national organizations have recently identified preferred terminology for inclusive language. This article offers a brief background related to inclusive language and describes a comparative textual analysis of several guiding documents (n = 6) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Psychological Association (APA). Terms identified as preferred by these organizations were identified and cross-checked through text search software applications. The results and discussion of this analysis compare similarities and differences in key areas. Implications stemming from areas of consensus and variation are explored to develop recommendations for healthcare providers.