Newsroom
The power of words: the importance of appropriate language use in TB communications
To ensure that those living with tuberculosis (TB) are treated with respect, it's important to recognize that some of the language used in the TB field can be inaccurate or have a negative impact on individuals with the condition.
The ‘Words Matter’ Language Guide from the Stop TB Partnership explains how language should be used. An important example is the term “patient”. In the context of TB, the description of someone as a “patient” can be misleading. Is a person with an undiagnosed latent TB infection (LTBI) a patient? Does this person become a patient when LTBI is diagnosed? Can a person with active TB who is not in medical care be referred to as a patient? Is someone whose TB therapy was successful be considered a patient because of a risk of relapse?
The term “patient” is mostly used in medical publications. However, the exact meaning of the word remains unclear, and a generally accepted definition does not exist. Clinical trials in the TB field are often multifaceted. While testing an experimental combination treatment, surrogate markers for treatment success or diagnostic interventions may be evaluated in the same study. The term "patient" is rather unclear and does not adequately describe study participants.
Furthermore, as there is often stigma attached to having TB, using terms other than “patient” may allow individuals to get involved in the TB community without fear of being ostracized.
Words can be extremely powerful – the language we use impacts our thoughts and actions. To really ensure meaningful participation of people with TB in projects like UNITE4TB, we have to consider the language we use to correctly represent and engage with them.
Advocacy and communications
Within UNITE4TB, we are fortunate to have a strong and active Community Advisory Group (CAG), with representatives from across the globe. Our CAG members are experienced in representing the community perspective in research and development projects and are passionate about safeguarding the needs of people living with TB.
The UNITE4TB CAG has already put some of the guidance from ‘Words Matter’ into action when reviewing the protocol for the project. The group actively encourages all members of the UNITE4TB Consortium, and everyone else involved in the TB response, to read the language guide and consider the terminology used in all documentation, articles, and communication.