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In This Issue:
There are many ways BWH staff help to foster a positive, welcoming environment for all patients. Last year, the LGBT Affinity Group began the “Be An Ally” campaign to help ensure that LGBT patients feel they are in a safe environment in the hospital. The group offers the following tips on how care providers can ensure they are creating a safe, welcoming space for these patients. The statements in bold are from The Joint Commission’s Field Guide on “Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence and Patient- and Family-Centered Care for the LGBT Community.”
Listen to and reflect patients’ choice of language when they describe their own sexual orientation and gender identity and how they refer to their relationship or partner. Referring to a significant other as a “husband,” “wife” or “partner” after the patient has used such language can contribute to a welcoming environment.
Refrain from making assumptions about a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity based on appearance. If you make a mistake, apologize. For example, you could say, “I’m sorry I didn’t get that right. Can you please tell me again, so I can make sure that I have the correct information?” Ask patients how they would like to be addressed, what name they would like to be called and which pronoun is appropriate.
Be aware of misconceptions, bias, stereotypes and other communication barriers.Making assumptions about a patient’s sexuality can put him or her on the spot to “come out” to you. Use neutral language when asking questions and take your lead from the individual person.
Facilitate disclosure of sexual orientation and gender identity, but be aware that disclosure or “coming out” is an individual process. It’s not easy to “come out” all the time. You can help create a safe environment by asking for information pertinent to medical care only, as you would with any other patient.
According to the Lamda Legal Survey, LGBT respondents reported to one or more of the following barriers to care:
Being refused needed care
Health care professionals refusing to touch them or using excessive precautions
Health care professionals using harsh or abusive language
Being blamed for their health status
Health care professionals being physically rough or abusive
Almost 56 percent of lesbian, gay or bisexual respondents had at least one of these experiences. 70 percent of transgender and gender-nonconforming respondents had one or more of these experiences. Nearly 5,000 people responded to the survey.
Learn more at the LGBT Health Resource Fair March 30 on the Tower 2 pavilion (across from Shop on the Pike). For more information and to find out how you can participate in “Be An Ally”, email BWHLGBT@partners.org