Patient-Centred Health Care Through Writing

Education at CAMH has launched Clear and Inclusive Writing Guidelines: The New CAMH Style through the Global Learning Academy. 

Developed through the co-creation and collaboration of more than 70 staff, patient advisors and community members, the guidelines provide patient-centered recommendations and best practices for anyone writing content across the hospital. Whether used for training modules, health information or lived-experience storytelling, the guidelines are designed to improve the quality of care for the patients and families we care for and serve at CAMH. 

Language matters 

Language choices can empower or invalidate patients, shape trust in care teams, and either amplify or silence marginalized voices. Touching on nuances, power dynamics, and community preferences, the guidelines reflect the complexities of the patients and families CAMH supports every day. This message was reflected in the making of these guidelines. 

"This process showed me that inclusive language isn’t just about word choice—it’s about power. When patients are true partners, the language reflects dignity, trust, and real-world impact."

- Emily Foucault, Patient partner and co-lead writer 

“CanFASD was pleased to support CAMH in developing the FASD and alcohol section of the guidelines—the content was reviewed by our Adults with FASD Expert Collaboration Team and Family Advisory Committee, helping to ensure that information about FASD reflects accurate, respectful and non-stigmatizing language. Language matters, particularly when discussing a highly stigmatized disability, and we’re grateful to CAMH for recognizing its importance in creating more inclusive health care environments." 

- Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) 

Inside the guide 

The guidelines are organized into six parts: 

1. The Principles of Inclusive Writing 
   Guidance on writing or editing in a way that upholds equity, inclusion, diversity, anti-racism and anti-oppression.
   
   
2. Perspectives on Mental Health and Disability 
   An introduction to different models for thinking and writing about mental health, disability, and related identities.
   
   
3. The Language Guidelines 
   A catalogue of identity-specific guidelines that provide word choice recommendations, examples and possible pitfalls that may occur when writing about different groups.
   
   
4. The Effective Writing Guidelines 
   An update to the former CAMH Style Guide, this section provides writing, reference, and style guidance for cohesion and consistency in written materials across the hospital. 
   
   
5. Technological Considerations 
   An overview of how technology is shaping the communications landscape, including best practices and digital tools to meet your needs. 
   
   
6. Tools and Resources 
   A collection of recommended resources used to inform the Clear and Inclusive Writing Guidelines.  

Indigenous language guidance from Shkaabe Makwa 

Updates to the Shkaabe Makwa Language Guide (2019) are provided through recommendations about decolonizing language, a discussion of Indigenous Wholistic models of health and well-being, word choice for writing about First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and ‘Shkaabe Makwa Suggests’ sections of Indigenous style recommendations throughout the guide. 

Ready to write 

To access a quick-search version of the Clear and Inclusive Writing Guidelines: The New CAMH Style visit the Global Learning Academy. 

There’s more to come! Sign up for our newsletter to hear about all the articles, events and stories that will bring the Clear and Inclusive Writing Guidelines to life. 

Have questions? Email us at publishing@camh.ca.  

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