Examining how stigmatizing language in medical records affects patient care
Hidden in Plain Sight: Stigmatizing Language in Patient Medical Records
This study looks at how the words used in medical records can create unfair biases that might affect the care you receive, and it aims to find ways to make healthcare better and fairer for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11002677 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the language used in patient medical records can perpetuate bias and affect the quality of care that patients receive. By analyzing the impact of stigmatizing language on clinician attitudes and prescribing behaviors, the study aims to uncover the ways in which implicit bias is communicated through medical documentation. The research will involve examining existing medical records and conducting interviews with healthcare providers to understand their perceptions and behaviors. Ultimately, the goal is to identify strategies to reduce bias and improve healthcare equity for marginalized patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients who have experienced stigma in healthcare due to their race, social class, health literacy, age, gender, or medical conditions.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience stigma or bias in their healthcare may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare quality and equity for patients who face stigma in medical settings.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that language in medical records can influence clinician behavior, suggesting that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beach, Mary Catherine — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Beach, Mary Catherine
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.