I am an advocate for referring to me and others with diabetes as a person, or people, first. That’s been discussed in the context of not calling people “diabetics,” and also in terms of using the word “patient.”
I started to notice that someone was either a “provider” or a “patient.” This bugged me on a couple levels because I’m both. More important, though, I don’t like being referred to as a “patient” unless I’m in a clinical setting. Literally, if I’m in a health care professional’s office, I’m a patient. No problem. If I’m outside of that setting I am a person.
Originally the word “patient” meant “one who suffers.” When we think about the history of health care, this makes sense. Now many people live with chronic conditions they manage on their own every day. We don’t suffer, nor do we want anyone to assume we do or put us in a victim role (those living with the disease/condition can certainly determine for themselves if they are suffering).
So then do we insist on removing “patient” altogether because of this historical meaning? I’m OK with being referred to as a “patient” (again, in a clinical context). I don’t suffer, and I don’t find health care professionals in general treat me as if I do. It’s really up to me to communicate that I don’t suffer through my actions and my words.
The question of whether “patients” are now considered “customers” or “clients” is yet another debate – one I’ll admit I’ve kind of avoided getting into. I do see both sides of the discussion. While I don’t want health care to be solely focused on business/money, I do see that customer service is paramount in health care settings.
Could some smart person please come up with a new word to replace all of them?