Applying Equality Principles With Patients

Applying equality principles means putting fairness into everyday patient care. It covers how patients are welcomed, how questions are framed, how privacy is maintained, how communication is adapted, whether consent support is offered, and whether patients can take part in decisions about their care.

Dental nurses often notice when a patient is not comfortable speaking openly. A patient may tell the dentist everything is fine but then disclose to the nurse that they did not understand, felt dismissed, could not hear, could not read the leaflet, or were embarrassed by comments about their mouth, accent, age, disability or finances.

Practical application includes

• Using the patient's preferred name and respectful language.
• Checking whether communication needs are being met.
• Protecting privacy for medical, religious, cultural, family or financial matters.
• Making sure reasonable adjustments are recorded and handed over.
• Prompting further explanation if a patient appears confused, excluded or pressured.

Applying equality principles also requires avoiding stereotypes. A patient's identity may indicate specific support needs, but it should not lead to assumptions about pain tolerance, oral hygiene, attendance, parenting, compliance, language ability, intelligence or willingness to pay.

Manager and owner responsibilities

Equality principles become real when patients are helped to understand, take part in care and receive treatment without embarrassment or unfair barriers.