Our research then featured as part of the Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics in Edinburgh, in an exciting event called “The Language of Poo: Can Words Disengage Communities?”. The discussion was held in conjunction with the Cross-Party Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Cross-Party Group on Health Inequalities.
The panel was chaired by Pauline McNeill MSP, with Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, Burcu Borysik, being joined by the Scottish Government’s National Clinical Director, Professor Jason Leitch, as well as the eminent academic Dr Josephine Adekola from the University of Glasgow.
During a lively session the panel and audience discussed why the language we use when talking about bowel symptoms is really important when it comes to diagnosing and treating conditions like Crohn’s and Colitis. When language sounds complicated and scary, it can create barriers to people trying to access medical help. However, when words are used accessibly, they break down those barriers and can help fight stigmas.
Sarah Sleet, CEO of Crohn’s & Colitis UK said:
We know that talking about poo is still seen as taboo by many, but it’s only by challenging that and being more open that we will encourage people to come forward for diagnosis.
The event at the Festival of Politics was a fantastic opportunity to spread the word about Crohn’s and Colitis and engage with communities across Scotland. Open and honest conversations about the warning signs of IBD can only be a good thing.
Professor Jason Leitch said he was delighted to be part of a discussion on communicating a Public Health message many patients find difficult to talk about:
We learned a great deal during the pandemic about how best to reach different groups of people and how to target messaging appropriately. I am pleased to have been able to share some of my experiences from that time and what they taught me.
You can watch the discussion here.
