Considerations:

Use images that show indigenous people and people from many nationalities in a variety of roles—doctors, nurses, patients, etc.
Use images depicting the use of interpreters positively and successfully.

When discussing a case involving a patient or family who speaks American Sign Language or with limited English proficiency, discuss how to ensure successful communication.

Cautions:

Avoid depicting people with limited English proficiency as less successful, able or intelligent than native-English speaking people.
Do not mimic accents of non-native English speakers.

Avoid depicting communication challenges unless related to the topic and objectives.

Considerations:

When referring to a person’s indigenous identity, use their specific tribal name if known. If unknown, use preferred terminology such as—Native American, American Indian, or Indigenous American. Recognize that what may be appropriate for one individual may not be appropriate for another. There is not always a consensus among indigenous communities and terminology is constantly evolving.

When discussing a case involving a real patient, use their preferred terminology when known.
When discussing immigration status, use non-judgmental terms. For example, use “undocumented” or “unauthorized” instead of “illegal.”

Use preferred terms to describe language status (e.g., limited English proficiency/LEP; first language is not English; English as a second language).

Cautions:

Avoid using the term “American” when referring only to people from the United States. America is comprised of two continents (or one depending on the definition) and consists of dozens of countries and territories, many of which do not speak English as their native language.

Avoid referring to a person only by their immigration status (i.e., immigrant).

Avoid judgmental or offensive terms such as—illiterate, illegal alien, or foreigner.

Considerations:

Consider all factors, including different social and societal influences depending on identity and background.

Consider, but don’t assume, that adherence/cooperation may be connected to language proficiency, cultural beliefs and practices, and healthcare access issues.

Recognize and respect personal cultural practices.

Cautions:

Don’t assume someone’s primary language based on race, ethnicity, nationality, etc.

Don’t assume that immigrants or indigenous people can be identified by their observable characteristics.

Considerations:

Recognize that some individuals may prefer one spoken language and a different written language. Or they may not use written language at all.

Learn how to properly pronounce someone’s name if you are not familiar with it.

If using a pseudonym for a patient, use a culturally appropriate or neutral, cross-cultural name. Do not use offensive stereotypical names. If unsure what is appropriate, it is safe to use a replacement identifier, such as “Patient A.”

Maybe not as pertinent to education since we don't use real names for case examples?

Cautions:

Don’t assume the need for an interpreter based on race, ethnicity, nationality, first language, etc.

Don’t use offensive phrases. For example, “too many chiefs, not enough Indians; pow wow."