Table.

Sample language for addressing interpersonal racism from patients.

Developed in collaboration with the Social Emergency Medicine Interest Academy of the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency

Situation	Sample language	Strategies employed
Bystander outlines behavioral expectations for patient or visitor	“Racist language is not acceptable in our hospital. Please be respectful.” “I must remind you that our code of conduct outlines that discriminatory language and behavior is not tolerated.” “Racist remarks are not tolerated in our emergency department. Please remember that as we take great care of you.” “We are doing our best to take excellent care of you. Please refrain from making racist statements.”	Rely on institutional policy to strengthen position Take firm but professional approach Remind patient/family of therapeutic intent
Bystander checks in with target	“I am sorry that happened. It upset me. I wanted to check in on how you are doing.” “I am sorry that happened. Please let me know how I can support you.” “I am sorry that happened. I would like to report this incident to our supervisors, if that is okay with you.”	Acknowledge situation, name own feelings without projecting them onto target, offer support
Care team member leads debrief	“Our patient’s racist language and behaviors today are not acceptable. I’d like to remind everyone of our code of conduct.”	Outline interpersonal racism as not tolerated Remind staff of institutional policy
Care team member assists with provider transition of care when a physician has experienced interpersonal racism	[to colleague:] “I am sorry about what happened. I am willing to assume care of this patient.” “This patient has been stabilized and it is appropriate for their care to be handed off.” “We can have another provider take care of this patient primarily.” [to trainee:] “I’d like to have another provider take care of this patient primarily. You did nothing wrong, but I don’t think it is a positive environment for you to remain in.”	Acknowledge situation and offer alternative Affirm appropriateness of care handoff Recognize that victims of interpersonal racism, particularly trainees, may not feel empowered to voice a preference to not participate in the care of discriminatory patients