The Clinical Power of Names and Pronouns
Using an individual’s correct name and pronouns is not merely a matter of politeness; it is a vital medical intervention. Research indicates that transgender and nonbinary youth who have their chosen names used in various environments (school, work, home, friends) show significant improvements in mental health. Even in just one context, the use of a chosen name can reduce suicidal ideation by 29%.
In addition, by implementing comprehensive pronoun respect policies, healthcare systems can considerably boost patient satisfaction, build community trust, and reduce liability risks. Mend’s digital forms, which boast an 80% engagement rate, now allow patients to comfortably provide their identity information before appointments. This proactive approach lessens patient anxiety and fosters a more positive care experience. When patients feel respected and affirmed from their first interaction, they are more likely to engage openly with providers, follow treatment recommendations, and trust the healthcare system.
Creating Universal Access
As we affirm names and pronouns, it’s equally vital to design for other dimensions of human diversity—disability, language, age, literacy, and digital access. These needs are different, not interchangeable, and each deserves intentional design so that one group’s solution never becomes another’s barrier.
Twenty-six percent of people have a disability, yet most healthcare environments aren’t designed with accessibility in mind. This creates barriers that can be life-threatening, preventing people from accessing needed care. Focusing instead on Universal Design principles and accessible features benefits patients with disabilities but also enhances efficiency for all users, ultimately improving outcomes for everyone.
Mend was developed with accessibility as a core principle. Our platform functions on any device with an internet connection, eliminating the need for special software or downloads. This is particularly important for patients who rely on assistive technologies that may not be compatible with proprietary applications. Our multilingual support (covering eight languages including Arabic, Spanish, and Haitian Creole) eliminates language barriers, while one-click access using only a date of birth removes cognitive barriers. Our 99% connection rate with immediate technical support also ensures that no one is excluded due to technological challenges.
The Intersection: Compounded Benefits
These inclusive practices compound to create powerful advantages. Organizations with strong inclusion practices report 43% higher profits, dramatically improved employee retention, and increased patient satisfaction scores that improve reimbursement rates. When diverse teams feel psychologically safe, they catch more potential errors, develop innovative treatment approaches, and encourage quality reporting. In addition, accessible design choices further improve patient satisfaction, reduce legal risks, and enhance community reputation while serving diverse patient populations more effectively.
The Bottom Line
In healthcare, inclusion is clinically essential and financially advantageous. When we respect names and pronouns while embracing accessibility as part of human variation, we create organizations that deliver better care, attract top talent, and achieve superior business outcomes.
Healthcare leaders can start today by updating EHRs to capture preferred names and pronouns, training staff on respectful communication, and leveraging accessible technology platforms. They can also choose tools like Mend that work on any device, offer multilingual support, provide 24/7 accessibility, and integrate seamlessly with existing systems to maintain inclusive data throughout the care journey.
Let’s work together in advancing health equity at scale.
