Empowering Inclusive Language in Research: The Equitable Language Cheat Sheet

Dr. Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda, co-chair of the Health Equity Core in the NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory, has recently developed a 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 is now available on the Health Equity Core webpage and will be regularly updated to reflect evolving terminology and guidance.

According to Dr. Gonzalez-Guarda, it is crucial to respect individual preferences for identification when collaborating with diverse populations in research. The cheat sheet serves as a valuable tool for researchers and partners who may not have direct input from the communities they are working with, providing essential guidelines for communication.

The cheat sheet covers preferred terminology for various identities, including age, race and ethnicity, gender, differing abilities, drug/substance abuse, underserved populations, and partners and populations of focus. It aims to promote respectful and inclusive language in research and foster a more equitable approach to healthcare.

In addition to offering guidance on language use, the Health Equity Core also provides direction on integrating a health equity perspective in pragmatic clinical research. The 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 just one example of how the Core is working towards advancing health equity in research settings.