Medical research is essential for advancing human knowledge about various aspects of healthcare, including diagnosis, prevention, management, treatment, and cure. This process involves studying different populations to identify their needs and develop targeted strategies that address these issues effectively.
It has been argued that heteronormativity is embedded into the very core of medical research, creating an environment where queer bodies are excluded from this process. Inclusivity in medical research means considering the unique characteristics of all population groups when designing clinical trials, analyzing data, developing policies, and implementing new therapies. The exclusion of queer bodies leads to significant health problems due to lack of access to accurate health information and limited opportunities to participate in clinical studies.
Impact on Healthcare Knowledge
Queer people often face stigma and discrimination that hinder them from accessing healthcare services, making it challenging to obtain reliable information about their health. They may feel ashamed or uncomfortable discussing sexual practices such as anal sex or sex toys, which can lead to misdiagnoses and mistreatment.
Some doctors still believe that anal cancer occurs exclusively among men who have sex with other men (MSM), leading to the underestimation of its prevalence among women. Similarly, many lesbians experience gynaecological conditions related to pelvic floor muscles, but they are not adequately addressed because most doctors assume that only men have such issues. Without inclusive health education, queer individuals might be unaware of the risks associated with certain behaviours and miss out on critical preventive measures.
Impact on Access
The exclusion of queer bodies from medical research contributes to their marginalization, making it difficult for them to get timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and supportive care. Many queer people avoid visiting hospitals because they fear judgment or discrimination. They may also delay seeking help until their condition worsens, increasing the risk of death or disability.
The scarcity of queer-inclusive clinics means that even when they seek assistance, they cannot access specialized care. The lack of knowledge about their needs makes it difficult for doctors to provide effective treatments. Queer patients may need customized therapies that address unique conditions like hormone imbalances, mental health concerns, and substance abuse problems.
Without proper data collection and analysis, these factors remain invisible in the broader healthcare system, resulting in delayed interventions and poor outcomes.
Impact on Treatment Outcomes
Queer people often experience disparities in healthcare due to the lack of inclusion in medical studies.
Transgender individuals face barriers to accessing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) despite its proven benefits for physical and psychological wellbeing. Heterosexual couples are more likely than LGBTQ+ couples to engage in condomless anal sex, which increases their risk of contracting STIs such as HIV/AIDS. But since most clinical trials exclude this population group, the effectiveness of new prevention methods is not fully known. Similarly, non-binary individuals might have challenges finding accurate information about their gender identity, leading to misdiagnoses and mistreatment. Without adequate representation in research, there will be limited knowledge about how certain drugs affect them.
Inclusivity in medical research can improve treatment outcomes by reducing disparities and improving access to evidence-based therapies.
Queer bodies' exclusion from medical research impacts their healthcare knowledge, access, and treatment outcomes. This situation contributes to stigma and discrimination that may prevent patients from seeking help or receiving appropriate care. To address these issues, medical professionals must work towards inclusive research practices that consider the unique characteristics of all population groups. This approach requires advocacy from policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers who can create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
How does exclusion of queer bodies from medical research affect healthcare knowledge, access, and treatment outcomes?
Excluding queer bodies from medical research has negative effects on healthcare knowledge, access, and treatment outcomes for several reasons. Firstly, it limits the amount of data available about the unique physical and mental health concerns faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and inaccurate assessments of their needs.