Researching Health Equity: Expert Dr. Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda Launches Inclusive Language Resource

Dr. Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda, a leading expert in health equity, has recently developed a new resource aimed at helping researchers use inclusive language and terms when working with diverse populations. The Equitable Language Cheat Sheet is now available on the Health Equity Core’s webpage and will be updated regularly to reflect changing terminology and guidance.

In an interview, Dr. Gonzalez-Guarda emphasized the importance of respecting individual preferences for identification when collaborating with diverse populations in research. The cheat sheet serves as a valuable tool for researchers and partners who may not have direct input from the communities they are working with, providing essential guidelines for communication that promote respectful and inclusive language in research settings.

The cheat sheet 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 these terms consistently across all studies and publications, researchers can work towards creating more equitable healthcare outcomes for everyone involved.

The Health Equity Core also offers guidance on integrating a health equity perspective in pragmatic clinical research. The Core works to identify barriers to achieving health equity in research settings and develops strategies and tools to promote a more inclusive approach in pragmatic trials. By addressing biases and promoting health equity in research settings, the Health Equity Core aims to create more equitable healthcare outcomes for all individuals involved.

Overall, Dr. Gonzalez-Guarda’s work highlights the importance of respectful communication when working with diverse populations in research settings. With resources like the Equitable Language Cheat Sheet available to guide researchers towards more inclusive language use, we can work towards creating a more equitable healthcare system that benefits everyone involved.