Lightning Talk

“I Can’t Say What?” Words to Avoid and Preferred Alternatives for High-functioning Teams

Sunday, August 21, 2022, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm CDT
Greenway C Room
Interprofessional Communication

The word “provider” is not OK to use anymore. What other words need to be removed from the lexicon of high-functioning teams? Creating a safe space is critical to the formation of high-functioning teams, and the lexicon of the team is an important element of creating this safe space. Each member of the care team brings with them their own profession’s culture and lexicon. Unfortunately, commonly used words and phrases unintentionally impair team functioning, because they may exclude or diminish the talents of other professions. To ensure every team member is equally valued and respected, it is important to understand which words and phrases are considered offensive to individual professions. It is equally important to understand preferred alternative words that are more inclusive and supportive of the entire team. Based on decades of experience with interprofessional communication, we created and published a list of words and phrases to avoid, along with updated alternatives. https://journals.stfm.org/familymedicine/2021/november-december/prescol-nov-dec21/ During this lightening presentation, we will discuss our "words to avoid" list along with the explanations and preferred alternatives. During the question-and-answer period, we will discuss interprofessional communication and draw out the perspectives of the audience. Based on audience experience and participation, we will expand our current list!

Accreditation Details

In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (OICPD). The OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

The National Center OICPD is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.

This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.

Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with their participation.

Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.

Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.

Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.

Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.

Athletic Trainers: This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.

Social Workers: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.

IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.