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Journal Article > Commentary

Language in tuberculosis services: can we change to patient-centred terminology and stop the paradigm of blaming the patients?

Zachariah R, Harries AD, Srinath S, Ram S, Viney K, Singogo E, Lal P, Mendoza-Ticona A, Sreenivas A, Aung NW, Sharath BN, Kanyerere H, van Soelen N, Kirui N, Ali E, Hinderaker SG, Bissell K, Enarson D, Edginton ME
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Abstract
The words 'defaulter', 'suspect' and 'control' have been part of the language of tuberculosis (TB) services for many decades, and they continue to be used in international guidelines and in published literature. From a patient perspective, it is our opinion that these terms are at best inappropriate, coercive and disempowering, and at worst they could be perceived as judgmental and criminalising, tending to place the blame of the disease or responsibility for adverse treatment outcomes on one side-that of the patients. In this article, which brings together a wide range of authors and institutions from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Pacific, we discuss the use of the words 'defaulter', 'suspect' and 'control' and argue why it is detrimental to continue using them in the context of TB. We propose that 'defaulter' be replaced with 'person lost to follow-up'; that 'TB suspect' be replaced by 'person with presumptive TB' or 'person to be evaluated for TB'; and that the term 'control' be replaced with 'prevention and care' or simply deleted. These terms are non-judgmental and patient-centred. We appeal to the global Stop TB Partnership to lead discussions on this issue and to make concrete steps towards changing the current paradigm.
Countries
none
Subject Area
tuberculosis
Published Date
16-Jun-2012
PubMed ID
22613683
Languages
English
Journal
International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
Volume / Issue / Pages
Issue 6
Issue Date
01-Jun-2012