Breaking Barriers: A Resource Guide for Researchers on Inclusive Language and Equitable Trials

In a recent statement, Dr. Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda, co-chair of the Health Equity Core in the NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory, emphasized the importance of respecting individual preferences for identification when collaborating with diverse populations in research. As part of her efforts to promote a more inclusive approach to healthcare, she has developed a new resource aimed at guiding researchers on the use of inclusive language and terms when working with specific individuals, groups, and communities.

The Equitable Language Cheat Sheet is available on the Health Equity Core webpage and will be regularly updated to reflect evolving terminology and guidance. It 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. By using this tool as a guide to communication, researchers can avoid unintentional biases that may arise from using inappropriate or disrespectful language.

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 by addressing biases that may hinder progress.