Welles Harrington
Research Mentor: Kevin Joiner
Mentor Department: Dept of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, Nursing
Author(s): Kevin Joiner, Welles Harrington
Session: Session 2 (10:00 AM – 10:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 136
Abstract
Language, in the clinical setting, is a powerful tool that impacts the overall care of an individual. However, in interactions with adults living with type one diabetes (T1D), stigma-containing language can become a barrier in providing holistic care and in reaching/sustaining patient goals. Guidelines and recommendations regarding the use of stigma-free communication about diabetes were established by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Association for Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) in 2017.. Despite this, the acceptability, or willingness to accept, of an educational video among primary care clinicians as a tool to promote the use of stigma-free language in interactions with individuals with T1D has not yet been explored. To achieve the goal of the study, an educational video was developed, in which two scenarios, including a nurse practitioner and an individual with T1D, were presented. The first scenario includes the nurse practitioner using stigmatizing language established by the ADA and ADCES; the second includes the nurse practitioner using non-stigmatizing language instead. Sixteen participants, comprising of nurse practitioners (n=9) and physicians (n=7), were recruited through professional networks and via online forums and listservs for healthcare professionals. Participants viewed the educational video and were interviewed via Zoom by a research team member using a semi-structured interview guide. The transcripts were then analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. Three main themes presented in the data: (1) clinic and systemic culture shapes language practices, (2) from pediatric to adult care: family and provider involvement in diabetes communication, and (3) respectful language as a cornerstone of patient advocacy. Findings suggest that an educational video promoting the use of stigma-free language with adults with T1D is acceptable among primary care clinicians.
