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

Strategic Insights -

LGBTQ+ patients who receive supportive care from their doctors are more likely to stay up to date on preventive services, including cancer screenings, vaccinations, and HIV tests. Our research found that only 34% of LGBTQ+ adults reported having positive health care experiences, characterized by culturally and clinically competent providers who did not discriminate against them. These patients were more likely to be up to date on at least one preventive service compared to those receiving neutral or discriminatory care.

Key Takeaways:

  • 34% of LGBTQ+ adults reported having positive health care experiences, characterized by culturally and clinically competent providers who 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.
  • 60% of participants reported having neutral experiences, when their providers were clinically competent about LGBTQ+ health needs and didn't discriminate against them, but were not culturally competent.
  • These patients were 43% less likely to get an HIV test compared to patients reporting affirming care.
  • 6% of participants reported experiencing discrimination, when their providers were neither culturally nor clinically competent on LGBTQ+ health.
  • These patients 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, which evaluates policies and practices around LGBTQ+ care, 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+ adults reported having positive health care experiences.
  • 60% of participants reported having neutral experiences.
  • 6% of participants experienced discrimination.
  • Patients reporting affirming care were 43% more likely to get an HIV test.
  • Patients reporting affirming care were 24% more likely to get a colorectal cancer screening.
  • 24% of patients experiencing discrimination were less likely to get a colorectal cancer screening.

Sources:

  • The Conversation -- USA -- By Nathaniel M. Tran, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Administration, University of Illinois Chicago
  • The Human Rights Campaign's Healthcare Equality Index
  • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
  • Ref. LGBTQ+ patients stay up-to-date on preventive care when their doctors are supportive, saving money and lives throughout society -- https://theconversation.com/lgbtq-patients-stay-up-to-date-on-preventive-care-when-their-doctors-are-supportive-saving-money-and-lives-throughout-society-258338