AP Stylebook change makes healthcare one word. Agree or disagree?
The recent announcement by the Associated Press Stylebook regarding the spelling of “health care” has sparked a debate within newsrooms and among journalists. After years of appeals and shifting usage, the AP Stylebook has officially declared that “health care” should now be written as one word, “healthcare.”
This change has implications for news organizations that closely follow AP style, including STAT, a prominent health and science news outlet. Since its inception in 2015, STAT has adhered to the two-word format of “health care.” Now, the editorial team at STAT is grappling with the decision of whether to adopt the new guidance and transition to writing “healthcare.”
The divide within the newsroom reflects a broader discussion in the industry and among readers. To gather insights and opinions on this contentious issue, STAT is reaching out to its audience, especially those working in the health care sector. Readers are invited to share their thoughts on whether it should be “healthcare” or “health care” through a form provided by STAT.
The question of spelling may seem trivial to some, but for journalists and editors, language choices carry weight and can shape the tone and clarity of a story. The decision to merge “health” and “care” into a single word reflects evolving language usage and trends in communication.
As the debate continues within newsrooms and among readers, it remains to be seen how this change in style will impact the way health care topics are covered and discussed in the media. Whether it’s “healthcare” or “health care,” the essence of the message remains the same – a focus on the well-being and treatment of individuals.
Stay tuned for updates on how STAT and other news organizations navigate this linguistic shift and adapt to the latest guidance from the AP Stylebook. Your input and feedback on this issue are valuable as we strive to uphold journalistic standards and effectively communicate health-related information to our readers.
