Podcast Preview: Creating Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQ Patients

On episode 18 of The Break Room podcast, we talk with Douglas J. Ward, MD, in honor of National LBGTQ Pride Month. We discussed ways in which providers can improve their inclusivity and create a practice that is a safe space for LGBTQ patients.

Why We Celebrate Pride

Recent data from a CAP survey shows LGBTQ patients still “experience discrimination in healthcare settings” that “discourages them from seeking care.” Eight percent of LGBQ people and 29 percent of transgender people responded that a doctor or healthcare provider refused to see them due to their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
The statistics extend into social determinants of health, too.

• 42 percent of LGBTQ people report living in an unwelcoming environment
• 80 percent of gay and lesbian youth report severe social isolation
• 40 percent of homeless youth are LGBTQ

There is some good news: 92 percent of LGBTQ adults said they believe society has become more accepting of them over the last 10 years. Still, that is a measure of progress, not overall equality. However, providers are uniquely positioned to address these challenges and find solutions that contribute to a happier, healthier, more equal society.

Challenges

Researchers have found that those who identify as LGBTQ+, roughly four percent of the population, are at a higher risk for a number of health issues. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), these conditions include “substance use, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), cancers, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, bullying, isolation, rejection, anxiety, depression, and suicide.”
As noted before, many of these conditions are due to “poor quality of care” because of “stigma, lack of healthcare providers’ awareness, and insensitivity to the unique needs of this community.”

How Can Providers Help?

There are many steps a provider can take. First and foremost is to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all patients. The American Medical Association recommends that providers list their practices on the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) directory.
Another step providers can take is to customize patient intake forms to include questions about gender identity and sexual practices. As Dr. Ward noted in the podcast, asking these questions via an intake form can avoid an awkward conversation that patients may be unwilling to have face-to-face.
Communication is another important factor. Researchers from NIH suggest providers offer “nurturing, open communication … in a respectful and nonjudgmental manner.” Communication is an ongoing, emerging process. As efforts such as Queer the Census aim to gain more accurate data about the LGBTQ population’s health, providers must stay engaged and up-to-date. For example, a leading task force recently recommended at-risk populations take a daily HIV-prevention pill.
Finally, educate patients about the risks and challenges they face. This could include practicing safe sex, combating social isolation, and learning about community resources, such as LGBTQ-friendly Alcoholics Anonymous classes for substance abuse or peer-support groups for mental illness. These educational resources can help maintain health in between office visits and encourage patient engagement.
With these minor tweaks, providers can create a safer environment for LGBTQ patients. Can you think of any other ways providers can foster a more inclusive practice? Let us know in the comments!