Evidence-Based Practices for LGBTQ Health Care Services
Health care professionals must be trained to provide culturally competent, evidence-based care that addresses the unique needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, nonbinary, pansexual, polysexual, omnisexual, demisexual, agender, genderfluid, bigender, pangender, androgynous, nonbinary gender identities, and others who identify outside of traditional male/female binaries. The healthcare system can implement evidence-based practices across mental health, reproductive care, and primary care services to meet these diverse needs.
Healthcare providers should understand the unique physical, emotional, and social challenges facing LGBTQ individuals. According to a 2015 survey, about half of LGBTQ respondents had experienced some form of discrimination when seeking healthcare, including verbal harassment, denial of treatment, or refusal of service. To create an inclusive environment, providers can display pride flags in their offices, train staff in LGBTQ sensitivity, offer non-judgmental counseling and support, use appropriate pronouns, avoid assumptions based on appearance, and respect confidentiality.
Healthcare systems need to assess their current policies and procedures regarding LGBTQ patients. This includes addressing any potential barriers such as language, insurance coverage, and privacy concerns.
Providers may update intake forms to include preferred pronouns and sexual orientation. They can also provide information on how to obtain hormone therapy and other transition-related treatments.
They may establish specific protocols for transgender patients undergoing surgeries like vaginoplasty or phalloplasty.
Healthcare organizations should prioritize culturally competent care by offering gender-affirming medical interventions that align with each patient's identity. These could include hormonal therapies, voice training, facial feminization surgery, and genital reconstruction. Providers must also be aware of the unique needs of trans men and women who are pregnant or trying to conceive. Some clinics may offer fertility preservation options for those wishing to delay childbearing until after transition.
Primary care services must focus on preventative care tailored to the LGBTQ community. According to a study published in the Journal of Homosexuality, queer individuals experience higher rates of cancer, heart disease, depression, substance abuse, and obesity than heterosexuals. Thus, providers may develop programs for smoking cessation, nutrition counseling, physical activity promotion, mental health screenings, and STI testing/treatment.
Evidence-based practices that address the diverse needs of the LGBTQ population are essential for providing inclusive healthcare. By taking steps such as displaying pride flags, respecting confidentiality, providing non-judgmental support, using appropriate pronouns, creating policies to reduce barriers, offering gender-affirming treatments, and implementing preventative measures, healthcare systems can ensure that all patients receive high-quality care.
How can healthcare systems implement evidence-based LGBTQ-inclusive practices across mental health, reproductive care, and primary care services?
The implementation of evidence-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ)-inclusive practices across mental health, reproductive care, and primary care services requires strategic planning and systematic change management by the healthcare organizations. This approach should involve developing policies and procedures that incorporate diverse perspectives, experiences, and needs of the LGBTQ community into clinical practice.