Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In the high-stakes environment of emergency medical care, language used by the prehospital provider can play a pivotal role in influencing patient outcomes. The article "Inappropriate use of nocebic language in prehospital care: a cautionary tale" examines the detrimental effects of nocebic language—verbal expressions that inadvertently heighten patient anxiety and perception of pain. Through an analysis of televised prehospital care encounters, the study identifies a prevalent use of nocebic language by emergency responders, which can exacerbate patient discomfort and hinder recovery. The research underscores the necessity for healthcare providers to adopt positive communication strategies, such as replacing terms like "pain" with "discomfort," to mitigate negative reactions and enhance patient resilience. Training programs focused on positive and patient-centered communication techniques from the field of hypnosis are advocated to equip emergency responders with skills to effectively manage interactions, thereby improving patient healing.
DOI: 10.56068/opmu6243
Authors: Bram Duffee, Andrew Newton
Institution: Kennesaw State University
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4415024427
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