Breaking Down Language Barriers: New Resource Guides Researchers on Inclusive Terminology for Diverse Populations

Dr. Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda, co-chair of the Health Core at the NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaborator, has led the development of a new resource that aims to guide researchers on the use of inclusive language and terms when working with specific individuals, groups, and communities. The Equitable Language Cheat Sheet can be found on the Health Equity Core website and will be updated regularly to reflect evolving terminology and guidelines.

In a statement, Dr. Gonzalez-Guarda emphasized the importance of respecting individual preferences for identification when collaborating with diverse research populations. The cheat sheet serves as a valuable tool for researchers and partners who may not have direct information from the communities they work with, providing basic guidelines for communication.

The cheat sheet covers preferred terminology for different identities, including age, race and ethnicity, gender, different abilities, drug/substance abuse, underserved populations, and partner and focus populations. It aims to promote a respectful and inclusive language in research and foster a fairer approach to health care.

The Health Core not only offers guidance on language use but also provides guidance for integrating a health equity perspective into pragmatic clinical research. Core works to identify barriers to achieving health equity in research and develops strategies and tools to promote a more inclusive approach in pragmatic trials. The Equitable Language Cheat Sheet is part of Core’s mission to address bias and advance health equity in research settings.