LGBTQ+ Patients Stay Up-to-Date on Preventive Care When Their Doctors Are Supportive

Strategic Insights -

When it comes to accessing high-quality healthcare, trust is a critical factor, particularly for LGBTQ+ patients. A recent study reveals that how LGBTQ+ individuals are treated at the doctor's office has a direct impact on their ability to receive lifesaving preventive care. Researchers analyzed survey data from over 950 LGBTQ+ adults and found that patients who experienced affirming care were more likely to stay up to date with recommended preventive services.

Key Takeaways:

  • 34% of participants reported having positive health care experiences, where their providers were culturally and clinically competent about LGBTQ+ health needs and did not discriminate against them.
  • Patients who experienced affirming care were 24% more likely to get a colorectal cancer screening and 43% more likely to get an HIV test compared to those receiving neutral or discriminatory care.
  • 60% of participants reported having neutral experiences, where their providers were clinically competent about LGBTQ+ health needs but were not culturally competent, which led to a 43% lower likelihood of getting an HIV test.
  • 6% of participants reported experiencing discrimination, where their providers were neither culturally nor clinically competent on LGBTQ+ health, resulting in a 24% lower likelihood of getting a colorectal cancer screening.
  • 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.

Statistics:

  • 1,250 participants shared their experiences and data in the study.
  • 34% of participants reported having positive health care experiences.
  • 60% of participants reported having neutral experiences.
  • 6% of participants reported experiencing discrimination.
  • 24% more likely to get a colorectal cancer screening for patients who experienced affirming care.
  • 43% more likely to get an HIV test for patients who experienced affirming care.

Sources:

  • The Conversation -- USA (3) -- Nathaniel M. Tran, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Administration, University of Illinois Chicago.
  • National Institute on Aging.
  • Human Rights Campaign's Healthcare Equality Index.