“Disorder” versus “Abuse”? Exploratory Data on Stigmatizing Terminology among Medical Students at a Swiss University

The study of wording and its impact on medical practice is key for the training future physicians. Negative, imprecise, disrespectful terms are still widespread in field contribute to stigmatization people treatment, which ultimately limits their access care. In this study, we explore feasibility acceptability a method investigate students’ perceptions stigma. This involves questionnaire that students complete after having read clinical vignette. One two versions vignette made available, only varies way patient referred (“substance abuser” vs. “having substance use disorder”). Medical from University Lausanne between first sixth year were contacted via university’s mailing lists. They randomly exposed one responded online. exploratory shows it feasible acceptable assess influence stigmatizing terminology among through vignette-based comparing options. line with initial find trends favor non-stigmatizing terminology; however, beliefs widely held about need judicial “punishment” address consumption behavior. No statistically significant differences found groups. care crucial issue seems necessary integrate into pre-graduate training. It permits deconstruction prejudices related knowledge offers perspectives intervention research improve right health, includes fundamental