Why You Should Update Your Intake Forms: Avoiding Stigmatizing Language
A friendly reminder to update your intake forms✨
I see this language most often in dentist’s offices, but am sure the term “venereal disease” is present on other types of health intake forms, too.
Prior to asking patients or clients about their STI status on intake forms, evaluate:
1) Is this necessary for me to know?
2) Is this something that could be optional?
3) Will this make my patient/client feel unsafe?
4) Is there a chance my patient/client could feel judged? (btw—probably!!)
I understand the necessity in certain professions to know STIs transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, but using outdated and highly stigmatized language (like venereal disease) shows your patients/clients that you are neither educated nor a safe or brave space for them to be in or disclose to.