Perspectives on Creating an Inclusive Clinical Environment for Sexual and Gender Minority Patients and Providers

Background: Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) face discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). This discrimination permeates healthcare and hinders SGM patients and providers.
Objectives: The aim is to determine if discrimination against SGM providers is present in hospice and palliative care (HPC). An auxiliary goal is to determine how to improve HPC for SGM patients. The ultimate goal is to create an inclusive environment for patients and providers.
Methods: A convenience sample of physicians was recruited from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender and Bioethics and Humanities special interest groups of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM). A ten-question online survey, consisting of multiple choice and free-response questions, was administered to the sample (n = 111).
Results: Twenty-five participants identified as sexual minorities, with no transgender or gender minorities. Forty-eight percent of SGM participants reported workplace SOGI-discrimination compared with 24% of heterosexuals (p = 0.02). Approximately equal percentages of SGMs (32%) and heterosexuals (33%) reported being aware of resources for SGM patients and that they would be comfortable bringing a significant other to the AAHPM Annual Assembly (92% and 90%, respectively). The attitude of the host city toward SGMs would affect 36% of SGMs’ and 11% of heterosexuals’ decisions to attend the Assembly (p = 0.003).
Conclusion: SOGI-discrimination exists in the HPC workplace, and providers are relatively unaware of SGM resources. Providers must take steps to create an inclusive environment for SGMs by changing attitudes, acting as allies, and engaging in trainings

2022 UVA Health Disparities Conference - Breakout Session 2: Promoting Health Equity in Health Professions Education