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The importance of respectful language to enhance care. A statement of the Association of Cardiovascular Nurses and Allied Professions (ACNAP) of the ESC, the ESC patient forum and the ESC advocacy committee
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Date
2025-04-11
Authors
Lee, Geraldine
Barisone, Michela
Dendale, Paul
Jennings, Catriona
Jones, Hwyel
Kindermans, Hanne
Kyriakou, Martha
Moons, Philip
Scheenaerts, Bart
Gibson, Irene
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Publisher
Oxford University Press
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Abstract
The use of respectful communication is essential to establishing a good therapeutic relationship between the healthcare professional (HCP) and the patient. Negative language can adversely affect interactions between the public and HCPs. Person-centred care is advocated in cardiovascular care, but there is lack of information regarding on how communication and respectful language can be applied. The aim of this statement is to explore the concept of respectful language in the delivery of person-centred cardiovascular care and present a working definition of respectful language in the context of healthcare and HCPs. This paper outlines of the role of communication in the delivery of cardiovascular care with critical analysis of the relevant literature. Factors influencing respectful language including ethnicity and culture and the move from the term ‘patient’ to ‘person’ are explored. Digital technologies (such as remote monitoring) now play a key role in delivering healthcare and HCPs need to be mindful on how it affects communication. Another important consideration is artificial intelligence and its potential impact on respectful language. Many healthcare providers and organizations have developed plain language documents, and non-technical lay summaries are available for evidence-based guidelines and research. This paper offers suggestions for ensuring best practice in the use of respectful language. Undoubtedly, respectful language is central to delivering person centred care. Every individual HCP involved in providing cardiovascular care can make some changes to their communication. Further education and training in the use of respectful language is needed along with evidence highlighting patient-reported outcomes and experience.
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Keywords
Advocacy , Allied health professionals , Communication , Nurses , Physicians , Respectful language
Citation
Lee, G., Barisone, M., Dendale, P., Jennings, C., Jones, H., Kindermans, H., Kyriakou, M., Moons, P., Scheenaerts, B. and Gibson, I. (2025) 'The importance of respectful language to enhance care. A statement of the Association of Cardiovascular Nurses & Allied Professions (ACNAP) of the ESC, the ESC patient forum and the ESC advocacy committee', European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 24(3), pp.344-351. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjcn/zvaf020
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© 2025, the Authors. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/pages/standard-publication-reuse-rights)