This month’s journal club was a collaboration between Tom Van der Kloot, MD and Sarah Hallen, MD. Seven Dirty Words: Hot-Button Language That Undermines Interprofessional Education and Practice, by Peter S. Cahn, PhD. Language can acts as an overlooked factor threatening the success of interprofessional education and practice. Words choices can affect a number of situations that do not foster collaboration. The author writes as an outsider looking in; noting the negative responses triggered by certain language.
Discussion Questions:
1) How important do you feel language is in influencing culture?
2) Of the seven words (and suggested alternatives) discussed in this article, which resonate with you, and why? Which would you contest, and why?
3) Are there other words/phrases that you feel have negative impact on interprofessional function and culture in the healthcare setting?