In the world of healthcare, we often talk about patient-centered care. We focus on things like informed consent, education, involving family, ensuring the patient has physical and emotional comfort, and honoring the patient’s preferences. One often overlooked aspect of patient-centered care is correctly pronouncing a patient's name. While that may seem insignificant, especially if you have a common name, you would be surprised at the importance it holds.

Imagine how vulnerable our patients feel, already anxious about their condition, when they are in the healthcare environment and not always understanding what is going on around them. Then add to it having their name mispronounced repeatedly. Such experiences can add unnecessary stress to an already stressful situation. Correctly saying a patient's name can contribute to a more calming and reassuring environment.

A person's name is more than just a label; it's a fundamental part of their identity. For some, it may be a name that holds cultural or personal significance. For others, their legal name may be attached to negative experiences, and they may prefer to be called by a different name. Using a patient’s preferred name, and pronouncing it correctly, can foster trust. Alternatively, mispronouncing a patient's name, or using a name they don’t like, can make them feel like just another medical case, rather than a unique individual. Taking the time to learn and correctly say a patient's name is a simple but important way to acknowledge their identity and make sure they feel seen.

We live in a time during which we care for patients from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Taking the time to correctly pronounce a name demonstrates cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity. This not only benefits the patient's experience, but it also helps healthcare providers bridge potential communication gaps and deliver more effective care. If you aren’t sure how to pronounce a name, ask the patient. Don’t be afraid to repeat saying it until you get it right.

Patient-centered care involves every aspect of a patient’s experience. Pronouncing a patient's name correctly might seem like a minor detail, but it can have a significant impact on how patients perceive the quality of care they receive. It reflects respect for their individuality and creates an environment of trust and open communication. There is nothing more patient-centered than making sure our patients feel seen, heard, and respected.