Never-words: What not to say to patients with serious illness (20 August 2024)

Summary

This article in Mayo Clinic Proceedings looks at the impact that doctors' communication can have on patients with serious illness. Acknowledging the challenges of such communication, the authors of this article argue that certain words and phrases—'never-words'—should be avoided as they can close down a patient's ability to speak openly with their healthcare team, affecting the safety and quality of their ongoing care. The article lists these words and phrases, offering alternative language that doctors and other healthcare professionals can use.