Affirming Care for LGBTQ+ Patients: Measurable Impacts on Health Outcomes

Strategic Insights -

Affirming care has a significant impact on the health outcomes of LGBTQ+ patients. When healthcare providers are culturally and clinically competent in addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, these patients are more likely to receive lifesaving preventive care such as flu shots, colorectal cancer screenings, and HIV testing. However, most LGBTQ+ adults in a recent study reported neutral or discriminatory care, leading to avoidable health risks and higher costs for the healthcare system. The study found that states with more health systems participating in the Human Rights Campaign's Healthcare Equality Index had higher rates of LGBTQ+ patients reporting positive care experiences.

Key Takeaways:

  • 34% of LGBTQ+ participants reported having positive health care experiences with providers who were culturally and clinically competent about LGBTQ+ health needs, and did not discriminate against them.
  • Patients receiving affirming care were more likely to be up to date on at least one preventive service recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force compared to those receiving neutral or discriminatory care.
  • 60% of participants reported having neutral experiences with providers who were clinically competent about LGBTQ+ health needs but were not culturally competent.
  • Patients with neutral experiences were 43% less likely to get an HIV test compared to patients reporting affirming care.
  • 6% of participants reported experiencing discrimination, with providers who were neither culturally nor clinically competent on LGBTQ+ health.
  • Patients experiencing discrimination were 24% less likely to get a colorectal cancer screening compared to patients reporting affirming care.
  • States with more health systems participating in the Human Rights Campaign's Healthcare Equality Index had higher rates of LGBTQ+ patients reporting positive care experiences.
  • Health systems participating in the Healthcare Equality Index have lower rates of nurse burnout and better quality of care, along with higher patient satisfaction among all patients.

Statistics:

  • 34% of LGBTQ+ participants reported having positive health care experiences.
  • Patients receiving affirming care were 43% more likely to get an HIV test compared to patients reporting neutral care.
  • Patients experiencing discrimination were 24% less likely to get a colorectal cancer screening compared to patients reporting affirming care.
  • 60% of participants reported having neutral experiences with providers who were clinically competent about LGBTQ+ health needs but were not culturally competent.
  • 6% of participants reported experiencing discrimination.

Sources:

  • University of Illinois Chicago.
  • The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
  • National Institute on Aging.
  • Human Rights Campaign's Healthcare Equality Index.