Ask for feedback
Feedback forms give LBGTQ+ patients a platform to share concerns. For example, consider an email with a linked document that all patients can fill out anonymously. Ask questions such as the following:
- Did you feel affirmed during your appointment? If so, how? If not, how can we improve?
- Did we use the proper pronouns?
- Did signage make you feel like you were in a safe space? What didn’t make you feel safe?
Set up a system with team members to process feedback and implement changes.
Also, if you have a large-scale practice, consider forming an LGBTQ+ community advisory board. “They can offer feedback about your practice’s clinical structure,” Dr. Grimstad tells Medscape.
Hire diverse employees
Building a diverse and inclusive workforce is critical to serving the LBGTQ+ community. Team members should reflect your patient population.
“Diversity isn’t a monolith,” says Dr. Grimstad. “It isn’t just racial diversity, or sexual or gender diversity. Even in a town which appears homogeneous in one area of diversity, such as a majority White town, it’s important to remember all the other facets of diversity that exist, such as gender, sexual orientation, cultural diversity.”
A diverse team may offer a surprising boost to your practice. According to a study published in the Journal of the National Medical Association, patient outcomes improve when a more diverse team provides care. In fact, diverse teams fare better in innovation, communication, risk assessment, and financial performance.
Dr. Anderson also recommends allowing team members “to be themselves.” For example, let employees wear their hair in whatever way they prefer or display their tattoos.
“This signals to patients that if staff members can be themselves here, patients can be themselves here, too,” says Dr. Anderson.
Provide training
Medical staff may sometimes feel uncomfortable serving LBGTQ+ patients because of their own biases, attitudes, or lack of knowledge about the community. Regular training can ease their discomfort.
“Make sure all health professionals are trained and educated on the needs of LGBTQ+ patients,” says Dr. Grant. “Understanding their health needs is the provider’s responsibility.”
For basic information, Dr. Anderson recommends visiting The Trevor Project, an organization that serves LGBTQ+ youth. “They’re really good at keeping up with changing verbiage and trends,” says Dr. Anderson.
To strengthen community connections, Dr. Grimstad recommends using trainers from your local area if possible. Do a Google search to find an LGBTQ+ center nearby or in the closest major city. Invite them to staff meetings or ask them to organize a workshop.
By implementing these strategies, you can start building a bridge between your practice and the LGBTQ+ community and provide better care for them as patients.
“Whether it’s knowing about PrEP ... or ensuring staff members are trained in caring for patients with any general or sexual identity, we as doctors and medical professionals must continue to move forward and serve our LGBTQ+ patients in big and small ways,” says Dr. Estevez.
For in-depth training, check the following organizations:
National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center at the Fenway Institute provides educational programs and resources to health care organizations.
GLMA has a top 10 health issues webpage that doctors can use to educate themselves and staff members on the LGBTQ+ community’s most urgent health needs.
Alliance for Full Acceptance offers LGBTQ cultural competency training, including a 1-hour awareness class and a 3-hour inclusivity workshop for clinicians.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has compiled a list of training curricula for behavioral health counselors and primary care providers.
UCSF’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resource Center has a list of training and educational materials for medical professionals.
Equality California Institute offers both in-person and virtual training covering basic terminology, data on LGBTQ+ health issues, and how to create an inclusive environment.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.