Lately I've changed my language with patients around the use of briefs, bedside commodes, walkers, ostomies & other technologies that make it possible to do what people need to do. Patients often express feeling shame or stigma. How clinicians respond to those statements is key.

I'm reading "What Can A Body Do? How We Meet the Built World" by Sara Hendren, which has been so helpful in offering a reframing of language that is constructive, patient-centered and does not dismiss feelings.

Sometimes patients will identify themselves as a 'helper,' usually paired with a reflection of how difficult it is to transition to being someone in need.

Maybe that transition could be less challenging if all of us reflect earlier what it means to help or to be in need.

I don't have any go to phrases and I am still working on the right language for certain situations, but at the core I aim for:

1) validation -> yes things are different

2) adaptation instead of stigma -> having the right tool can preserve health, dignity, comfort

Some other influences in my thinking and communication with patients around these topics: the users of hashtag #ostomylife, @lindsrnorris, @mattbc, @TheLizArmy and many others on Twitter who share their experiences (good & bad) in healthcare.