In healthcare settings, microaggressions are subtle forms of discrimination that manifest through both verbal and nonverbal communication. These actions convey negative attitudes towards certain groups of people, such as LGBT patients, and can have significant consequences. This article will explore how microaggressions in healthcare settings impact trust, help-seeking behavior, and psychological outcomes for LGBT individuals, and provide insights into ways to reduce their effects.
Trust is critical in patient-provider interactions because it helps build positive rapport and facilitate open communication.
Studies show that microaggressions from providers may undermine this trust.
LGBT patients who experience microaggressions in healthcare settings are less likely to trust their provider, which affects their willingness to share personal information and seek further care. Moreover, providers who demonstrate prejudice or lack of acceptance toward LGBT patients may negatively influence treatment outcomes due to increased risks of misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, poor adherence, and poor quality of life. Thus, microaggressions contribute to lower levels of engagement and satisfaction with healthcare services among LGBT patients.
Help-Seeking Behavior
When seeking medical assistance, patients often consider various factors, including the level of empathy shown by providers. Providers' attitude and conduct can either encourage or hinder LGBT patients' help-seeking behaviors. Microaggressions create a hostile environment where patients feel uncomfortable and may delay or avoid seeking necessary care. When LGBT patients perceive discrimination, they may feel alienated and develop negative emotions such as shame, anger, fear, and embarrassment, leading them to avoid seeking future healthcare. This effect is particularly pronounced when providers reinforce stereotypes about homosexuality or fail to acknowledge sexual orientation and gender identity issues during consultations. Consequently, microaggressions limit access to timely diagnoses, treatments, and interventions for LGBT patients.
Psychological Outcomes
Experiencing microaggressions in healthcare settings can have serious psychological consequences on LGBT individuals.
It increases feelings of anxiety and depression, which lead to worse mental health outcomes.
LGBT patients who experience discriminatory attitudes from providers are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, self-stigma, and social isolation, all of which negatively impact their overall well-being. In addition, microaggressions contribute to increased stress levels that can worsen physical conditions and prolong healing processes. As a result, LGBT patients may be at higher risk for developing psychiatric disorders and substance abuse problems, highlighting the importance of reducing microaggressions in healthcare settings.
Ways to Reduce Microaggressions
To reduce the effects of microaggressions, providers must adopt an empathetic approach and create an inclusive environment where all patients feel comfortable and accepted. Providers can start by acknowledging the unique needs of LGBT patients through training programs and cultural competency education. They should also demonstrate sensitivity towards sexual orientation and gender identity issues and avoid using derogatory terms or making assumptions based on sexual orientation.
Providers can promote open communication with patients to build trust and rapport, thereby creating a safe space for vulnerable discussions about sexuality and relationships. By taking these steps, providers can help mitigate the harmful effects of microaggressions and provide quality care to all patients regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Microaggressions in healthcare settings have significant consequences for LGBT individuals' trust, help-seeking behavior, and psychological outcomes. To improve patient engagement and satisfaction, providers must actively work to reduce these subtle forms of discrimination by promoting an accepting and welcoming environment. This article has provided insights into how microaggressions affect LGBT patients and strategies to address them effectively.
How do microaggressions in healthcare settings affect trust, help-seeking behavior, and psychological outcomes for LGBT individuals?
Microaggression is defined as "brief, everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults which are often unintended, but which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership. " (Derald Wing Sue et al.