A SHIFT IN HEALTHCARE LANGUAGE AND ATTITUDE

How the approach in healthcare is evolving

One of the most meaningful shifts in healthcare today is not only in technology, but in how people are addressed and understood.

Over time, alongside the development of person-centered care, greater attention has been given to the role of language in clinical practice. Influenced by disability advocacy and frameworks such as the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), there is growing recognition that health is not only defined by diagnosis, but also by lived experience.

Why language matters

Within this context, many providers are adopting person-first language — expressions such as “people living with lymphedema” or “people with disabilities.”

This approach places the person before the condition and reflects a broader understanding that a diagnosis is only one aspect of a person’s life.

Everyday experience and perception

There is also increasing awareness of the everyday experience of individuals living with long-term conditions.

For people living with lymphedema, lipedema, and other chronic conditions — as well as for people with disabilities — physical differences may influence how they are perceived and approached in daily life. These interactions are often subtle, but consistent over time, in public settings, workplaces, and even within healthcare environments.

The role of language in interaction

Language plays an important role in these experiences.

The way something is expressed can either create space for the individual or unintentionally reduce them to a single aspect of their health.

In clinical settings, this perspective is increasingly connected to shared decision-making and to a more balanced relationship between professional expertise and lived experience.

Language as part of care

Healthcare has always relied on precision.

Today, that precision extends beyond diagnosis and treatment — to tone, context, and the way individuals are perceived and addressed.

In this sense, language becomes part of care itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is person-first language?

Person-first language is an approach that places the individual before the condition. For example, saying “a person living with lymphedema” rather than defining someone by a diagnosis. It supports a more respectful and balanced way of communication.

Why is language important in healthcare?

Language shapes perception. The way conditions are described can influence how they are understood — both by others and by the individuals living with them.

Does this mean medical terminology should be avoided?

No. Clinical accuracy remains essential. The focus is on combining precise terminology with a respectful and considered tone.

What is person-centered care?

Person-centered care is an approach that considers not only clinical factors, but also the individual’s daily experience, preferences, and active role in managing their health.

Why is this especially relevant for chronic conditions?

Chronic conditions are long-term and often affect multiple aspects of daily life. Communication plays a key role in how these conditions are perceived and managed over time.

How does this influence healthcare practice?

It affects communication, patient engagement, shared decision-making, and the overall quality of interaction between healthcare professionals and the people they support.