Claire Dawson
LGBTQ+ individuals face various challenges in society, including stigma, discrimination, violence, and lack of acceptance, which can negatively impact their mental and physical health. As a result, it is crucial to create LGBTQ-friendly hospitals to ensure that this community feels safe and comfortable accessing healthcare services. Hospitals play a vital role in providing inclusive and non-discriminatory care to protect the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ patients. This involves ensuring confidentiality, using sensitive language, and providing resources and training for healthcare professionals to improve LGBTQ+ health care outcomes and build trust with this patient group.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healthcare brochures | Should be inclusive of LGBTQ+ people |
| Website | Avoid using stock photos of nuclear families, use photos that portray same-sex couples |
| Training | Provide resources and accredited training to improve LGBTQ+ health care outcomes |
| Discrimination | Display posters and a nondiscrimination statement |
| Communication | Ask for legal names and chosen names, partner information, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender as listed in the health insurance claim, and explain why the information is needed |
| Privacy | Assure the patient that their communication and medical records are confidential |
| Social Support | Community connectedness and other protective factors may reduce the risk of suicide |
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What You'll Learn
- Ensure staff are trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare concerns and terminology
- Make written and posted policies on discrimination, diversity and non-harassment include LGBTQ+ people
- Display LGBTQ+ inclusive imagery and materials in the hospital
- Collect information about sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) to comply with health recommendations
- Ensure staff are aware of and comply with laws and regulations that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination
Ensure staff are trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare concerns and terminology
Hospitals can ensure that staff are trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare concerns and terminology by providing them with resources and accredited training. Hospitals can refer to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's guide, which helps physicians and other healthcare professionals use the correct terminology when talking about LGBTQ+ people. The National LGBT Health Education Center at the Fenway Institute provides an extensive library of webinars and publications, as well as a guide for healthcare staff that includes information on how to communicate with LGBTQ+ patients, maintain a nonjudgmental attitude, and avoid asking unnecessary questions. The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association has also created the Guidelines of Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Patients, which offers advice on communicating with LGBTQ+ patients, guidelines for forms and patient-provider discussions, and more.
In-person training can also be highly effective in raising awareness and dispelling myths. Training can cover topics such as how to manage differences in the names patients identify with versus their birth names, as well as pronoun usage. It can also address how cultural differences and norms impact LGBTQ+ terminology and the language used by clinicians. Training can further educate staff on how to create an inclusive environment, such as by using rainbow stickers and displaying brochures and educational materials about LGBTQ+ health concerns.
It is also critical for staff to be trained on relevant policies and laws that protect the LGBTQ+ community, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which prohibits healthcare providers and insurance companies from discriminating against LGBTQ+ people on the basis of gender identity and sex stereotypes. Staff should also be aware of the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which allows hospitals and providers to disclose a patient's PHI only to individuals the patient identifies.
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Make written and posted policies on discrimination, diversity and non-harassment include LGBTQ+ people
To make a hospital more LGBTQ+ friendly, it is important to make written and posted policies on discrimination, diversity, and non-harassment inclusive of LGBTQ+ people. This means explicitly stating that LGBTQ+ individuals are protected from discrimination and harassment and are valued for their diversity. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Firstly, ensure that the hospital's code of conduct or employee handbook includes clear and detailed policies that address discrimination, diversity, and non-harassment. Specify that LGBTQ+ patients and their families are protected from any form of discrimination or harassment, including verbal, non-verbal, or physical, by hospital staff, visitors, or other patients. Outline the consequences for any breach of these policies and emphasize the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Secondly, develop patient-centric policies that focus on LGBTQ+ inclusivity. This includes respecting patients' chosen names and pronouns, regardless of their legal names or gender assigned at birth. Ensure that all staff are trained to use sensitive and appropriate language when interacting with LGBTQ+ patients and their families. For example, instead of asking, "Are you in a relationship?" consider asking, "Would you like to provide your partner's information?" to include a broader range of relationship types.
Additionally, make these policies easily accessible to both staff and patients. Post them in prominent locations throughout the hospital, such as waiting rooms, examination rooms, and staff break rooms. Include them on the hospital's website, and provide printed copies upon request. Ensure that all staff are familiar with the policies and are confident in applying them in their daily interactions with patients and colleagues.
Furthermore, regularly review and update these policies to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Establish a feedback mechanism for patients and staff to report any incidents of discrimination, harassment, or a lack of diversity inclusion. Use this feedback to continuously improve the policies and address any gaps or challenges that may arise.
By implementing these measures, the hospital will create a safer and more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ patients and their families, reducing fears of discrimination and promoting equal treatment for all. These steps are crucial in ensuring that the hospital actively includes and supports the LGBTQ+ community.
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Display LGBTQ+ inclusive imagery and materials in the hospital
Hospitals can make their spaces more LGBTQ+ friendly by displaying inclusive imagery and materials. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as:
Brochures and Posters
Display brochures and educational materials about LGBTQ+ health concerns. Visibly post posters from nonprofit LGBTQ+ or HIV/AIDS organizations. Hospitals can also create their own posters and brochures with inclusive imagery and positive messaging. For example, a poster with a same-sex couple and a message of welcome and support.
Staff Workstations
Encourage employees to exhibit rainbow stickers or other LGBTQ+ inclusive imagery at their workstations. This can make LGBTQ+ patients feel more comfortable and create a sense of allyship.
Photography
Use inclusive photography that portrays same-sex couples or LGBTQ+ individuals on websites, brochures, and around the hospital. Avoid using only stock photos of nuclear families, as this can send a message of exclusion to LGBTQ+ people.
Policies
Display written and posted policies regarding non-discrimination, diversity, and anti-harassment that specifically include LGBTQ+ people. This can be in the form of a non-discrimination statement posted in a visible area. It is important for health professionals to know these policies and be able to communicate them to patients.
Training Materials
Display posters or other materials advertising LGBTQ+ inclusive training for staff. This can include information on LGBTQ+ terminology, communication, and cultural competence. For example, a poster advertising an upcoming webinar on LGBTQ+ inclusive language with a rainbow logo.
By implementing these suggestions, hospitals can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ patients and their families.
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Collect information about sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) to comply with health recommendations
Hospitals can make their LGBTQ+ patients feel more comfortable by collecting information about their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). This data is critical for complying with health recommendations published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For example, African American men who have sex with men are at an increased risk of acquiring HIV, and the CDC recommends HIV screening and the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis. Therefore, it is important to ask patients about their sexual orientation and gender identity directly, rather than waiting for them to volunteer this information. This information should always be kept confidential and only disclosed to those the patient identifies.
Hospitals should also be aware of the specific healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. For instance, LGBTQ+ individuals are observed to have more mental health issues than their heterosexual peers, and social support can make a huge difference. They may also have higher rates of domestic violence, substance abuse, and depression due to homophobia and transphobia. As such, hospitals should provide resources and accredited training to improve LGBTQ+ health care outcomes and ensure that all staff are educated on how to communicate with LGBTQ+ patients in a nonjudgmental and sensitive manner.
Furthermore, hospitals should display inclusive policies regarding discrimination, diversity, and non-harassment that specifically include LGBTQ+ people. These policies should be easily accessible and visible to patients, such as through brochures, posters, and websites. Hospitals should also be mindful of the language and terminology used when communicating with LGBTQ+ patients, including the use of correct pronouns and chosen names.
By collecting SOGI information and taking these additional measures, hospitals can provide more inclusive and effective care for their LGBTQ+ patients, ensuring that all individuals feel welcome and respected. This can help build loyalty and trust with the LGBTQ+ community, leading to more positive health outcomes and reduced costs.
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Ensure staff are aware of and comply with laws and regulations that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination
Hospitals should ensure that staff are aware of and comply with laws and regulations that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination. While no laws specifically address the LGBTQ+ community, several regulations address privacy and prohibit discrimination. For example, the HIPAA Privacy Rule respects patients' wishes regarding privacy matters, allowing hospitals and providers to disclose a patient's PHI only to individuals the patient identifies. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits sex discrimination in institutions receiving federal funds and discrimination based on gender identity, requiring equal treatment for all gender identities and prohibiting the denial of health coverage based on gender identity, pregnancy, or sex stereotyping.
Section 1557 of the ACA provides federal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, explicitly protecting them from discrimination in healthcare on the basis of gender identity and sex stereotypes. Despite this, some conservative forces and administrations have sought to make it easier for healthcare providers to discriminate, endangering LGBTQ+ lives through delays or denials of necessary care. Hospitals should be aware of these challenges and actively work to prevent discrimination by complying with relevant laws and regulations.
In addition to federal laws, hospitals should also be mindful of state and local regulations that may impact LGBTQ+ patients' rights. For instance, some states do not recognize same-sex domestic violence, which can affect patients' access to services and support. Hospitals should advocate for inclusive policies and practices to ensure that all patients are treated equally and protected from discrimination.
To ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, hospitals should provide staff with resources and training to improve LGBTQ+ health care outcomes and create a welcoming environment. This includes educating staff on correct terminology, maintaining a nonjudgmental attitude, and asking relevant questions sensitively. Hospitals can also display posters and brochures from LGBTQ+ organizations, visibly post nondiscrimination statements, and include LGBTQ+ people in written and posted policies regarding discrimination, diversity, and non-harassment.
By ensuring staff awareness and compliance with laws and regulations protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, hospitals can create a safer and more inclusive environment for their patients and contribute to reducing healthcare disparities faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
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Frequently asked questions
Hospitals can be more LGBTQ+ friendly by ensuring that their written and posted policies regarding discrimination, diversity and non-harassment include LGBTQ+ people. Hospitals should also ensure that their staff are trained on how to communicate with LGBTQ+ patients, and that they are aware of the hospital's policies.
Hospitals can make LGBTQ+ patients feel more comfortable by displaying rainbow stickers, posters from LGBTQ+ non-profits, and brochures about LGBTQ+ health concerns. Hospitals should also be mindful of the language and terminology used when addressing LGBTQ+ patients.
Hospitals should be aware that LGBTQ+ patients are more likely to be uninsured and have higher rates of certain health issues, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Hospitals can collect information about sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) to better understand the health needs of their LGBTQ+ patients and provide more tailored care.
Hospitals should ensure that their websites use inclusive language and imagery. For example, instead of using stock photos of nuclear families, hospitals can use photos that portray same-sex couples.
LGBTQ+ patients may delay or avoid seeking medical care due to fear of discrimination or harassment. This can lead to worse health outcomes and increased costs for LGBTQ+ patients.
