What are the best practices for addressing LGBTQ+ health disparities?
LGBTQ+ people face significant health disparities due to stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to culturally competent care. As a healthcare manager, you can play a vital role in improving the health outcomes and experiences of this diverse population. In this article, you will learn some of the best practices for addressing LGBTQ+ health disparities in your organization.
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Luiz P.Linkedin Top Healthcare Management Voice | Hospital CEO
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Elia Paulina GonzálezHelping companies to create violence-free workplaces | CEO at Mind it! | Speaker | Clinical Psychologist | YLAI Alumni…
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Claire Aurore Emma LAMBERTI she/herEx co-présidente du centre LGBTI+ de LYON chez CENTRE LESBIEN GAY BI TRANS ET INTERSEXE LYON (CENTRE LGBTI LYON)
The first step to address LGBTQ+ health disparities is to assess the needs and challenges of your LGBTQ+ patients, staff, and community. You can do this by collecting data on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), conducting surveys and focus groups, and engaging with local LGBTQ+ organizations and advocates. By assessing your needs, you can identify the gaps and opportunities for improvement in your policies, practices, and services.
The second step to address LGBTQ+ health disparities is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for your LGBTQ+ patients and staff. You can do this by displaying visible signs of support, such as rainbow flags, posters, and stickers, using inclusive language and pronouns, and providing gender-neutral bathrooms and changing rooms. You can also ensure that your forms, records, and systems are inclusive and respectful of LGBTQ+ identities and preferences.
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El cambio empieza por una, pero lo más importante es empezar a tener hábitos sociales para lograr la integridad y la no discriminación en todos sus aspectos! Viste cuando preguntamos como te llamas? Bueno simplemente ahora agregamos la pregunta: ¿Cual es tu pronombre personal? Y listo se soluciona algo que parecía tan complejo.
The third step to address LGBTQ+ health disparities is to provide cultural competency training for your staff and providers. You can do this by offering online or in-person modules, workshops, and resources that cover topics such as LGBTQ+ terminology, health issues, best practices, and legal rights. You can also invite LGBTQ+ experts, speakers, and patients to share their perspectives and experiences. By providing cultural competency training, you can enhance your staff's knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people.
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Implement comprehensive training programs for healthcare providers on LGBTQ+ health issues, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and unique healthcare needs. Include education on LGBTQ+ cultural competency in medical and nursing school curricula, continuing education programs, and professional development initiatives. By focusing on inclusive provider training and education, healthcare organizations can contribute to reducing LGBTQ+ health disparities by fostering an environment where individuals feel respected, understood, and supported in their healthcare journey.
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Algunas actividades de seguimiento pueden incluir: -Club de cine: donde se compartan las películas LGBTQ+ recomendadas de la semana o el mes -Series que importan: con las mejores series para sensibilizar y actualizar al equipo -Podcast de confianza: donde integrantes del equipo puedan compartir sus recomendaciones y el motivo de la misma. Los círculos de confianza no pueden faltar. Tener reuniones con el equipo sobre qué mejorar, implementaciones, necesidades y un esquema de denuncia segura ante discriminación o acoso, proporciona atención, cero tolerancia y confirma que los programas o esquemas de capacitación están funcionando o podrían mejorar.
The fourth step to address LGBTQ+ health disparities is to implement evidence-based practices that meet the specific needs and preferences of your LGBTQ+ patients. You can do this by following the guidelines and recommendations from reputable sources, such as the National LGBT Health Education Center, the Human Rights Campaign, and the World Health Organization. You can also adopt best practices from other organizations that have demonstrated excellence in LGBTQ+ health care, such as the Joint Commission's Top Performers on Key Quality Measures.
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Medir lo que importa ayuda a generar un diagnóstico y trazar estrategias congruentes. 1) Puede implementar evaluaciones que permitan medir el trato que cada uno de sus pacientes obtuvo al interactuar con el personal, desde aspectos como el respeto y lenguaje inclusivo, hasta requerimientos en las facilidades y llenados de formatos. Añadir un apartado de necesidades, donde la persona pueda expresar aquello que la instancia carece, siempre es una excelente estrategia de mejora. 2) Solo así, se pueden desarrollar implementaciones personalizadas a la comunidad atendida. 3) Post evaluación, identificando el grado de mejora gracias a las implementaciones anteriores. Recuerde que la evidencia permite visibilizar las mejores prácticas.
The fifth step to address LGBTQ+ health disparities is to evaluate your impact and monitor your progress. You can do this by using quality indicators, such as patient satisfaction, retention, outcomes, and disparities, to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of your policies, practices, and services. You can also solicit feedback from your LGBTQ+ patients, staff, and community, and use it to improve your performance and accountability. By evaluating your impact, you can demonstrate your commitment and leadership in LGBTQ+ health care.
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After implementing inclusive provider training, a healthcare system observes an increase in patient satisfaction among LGBTQ+ individuals. The facility also experiences a rise in LGBTQ+ patients seeking preventive care and screenings, suggesting improved access to and comfort with healthcare services.
The sixth and final step to address LGBTQ+ health disparities is to celebrate your achievements and recognize your staff and providers. You can do this by sharing your success stories, best practices, and lessons learned with your internal and external stakeholders, such as your board, funders, partners, and media. You can also reward your staff and providers for their efforts and contributions, such as by giving awards, certificates, or bonuses. By celebrating your achievements, you can foster a culture of pride, excellence, and innovation in your organization.
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El reconocimiento es esencial en todo equipo de trabajo, también, celebrar y compartirlo con el mundo, permite que otras personas en búsqueda de espacios LGBTQ+ puedan llegar de manera oportuna, previniendo experiencias de disparidad en otros lugares. Puedes celebrar tus logros desde: -Redes sociales -News letters para pacientes y equipo de trabajo -Mencionarlo como parte del brand de tu página web -Reconociendo el trabajo de cada colaborador, incluso entregando insignias y realizando algún tipo de evento o festejo para reconocerles. Celebrar logros en pro de la paridad de la comunidad LGBTQ+ es indispensable para demandar espacios de salud en igualdad, inclusión, diversidad y seguridad.
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