There is a gap in the quality of healthcare for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients, according to a report from the American Association of Medical Colleges.
LGBT individuals are more likely to put off seeking medical care due to lack of insurance and discrimination. One in five transgender individuals reported being denied care by a physician, according the report. LGBT patients in general are more than twice as likely to lack health insurance, or their coverage may lack same-sex marital benefits.
Those in the LGBT community may especially need access to quality care, due to noted disparities in the risk behaviors and health between LGBT individuals and their straight counterparts. For example, the risk for cardiovascular disease is more than twice as high for lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals as it is for their straight counterparts. Lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals are also 1.5 times more likely to have asthma than their straight counterparts, according to the report.
To address some of these issues, the AAMC published this week a 306-page resource aimed at advising medical schools in preparing physicians to create an inclusive office atmosphere for LGBT patients, gender nonconforming patients and patients born with differences of sex development.
Established healthcare professionals can also apply the information to promote a more inclusive environment in their practice or hospital. Follow these five tips to create a more inclusive atmosphere for patients and staff.
- Engage the entire organization in the effort. Provide continuing education in LGBT issues for staff at all levels.
- Enforce inclusive, nondiscriminatory policies. Be able to identify discrimination in the healthcare environment and establish a process to take steps against it.
- Celebrate LGBT diversity. Recognize LGBT events, recruit and employ LGBT-identified providers and staff.
- Work with the wider community by participating in or hosting community health education events.
- Establish a culturally sensitive way to collect gender identity and sexual orientation data if necessary.
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