Strategies for LGBTQ+ Inclusive Health Care Environments PDF

» OPERATIONS NEWS+TRENDS Strategies for creating LGBTQ-inclusive health care environments M ore health systems are making and the types of families represented in...

» OPERATIONS NEWS+TRENDS Strategies for creating LGBTQ-inclusive health care environments M ore health systems are making and the types of families represented in families, and including display brochures commitments to LGBTQ the visual cues. that highlight LGBTQ health concerns. inclusion, but these commit- “It was ‘mom and baby,’ and breastfeed- These depictions can help put people ments aren’t always clear the moment ing, not chestfeeding,” Jaspan says. That at ease before their first interactions individuals walk into a health care facility. has changed. “It really is about creating with caregivers. However, because early impressions are that safe space,” Jaspan says. “The goal Single-sex restrooms are another particularly important in helping people here is to not make anyone feel uncom- important element of creating an inclusive feel welcomed, it’s an aspect to which fortable. Some people say ‘chestfeeding,’ environment. Public restrooms have been more organizations are paying attention. whereas our signage says breast/chest the site of harassment, embarrassment As a 2017 poll by the Harvard Chan School, NPR and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on Discrimination in America found, 18% of surveyed LGBTQ Americans reported avoiding going to a doctor or “As long as you are coming from a good place, seeking health care out of concern that they would be discriminated against or just make sure that you’re willing to evolve and treated poorly because of their LGBTQ change and learn.” — David Jaspan, Einstein Healthcare identity. That jumps to 22% for transgen- der individuals. Establishing an inclusive environment from the very first contact is a critical first step in securing the trust of feeding so everyone can participate in and controversy for LGBTQ people, and all patients, visitors and guests. that knowledge.” gender-neutral restrooms throughout the While any step in this direction should The labor and delivery department health care facility should be a priority. be in line with the broader organizational at Einstein also is updating signage to Single occupancy unisex or all-gen- framework, there should also be input focus on “parents” and help parents der restrooms outfitted with wheelchair from impacted communities. Facilities pro- to feel comfortable providing their accessibility are ideal. For facilities not in fessionals can gain insight through organi- preferred pronouns. a position to retrofit existing bathrooms, zationwide surveys or by working with an Some health facilities also include sig- planning departments may consider existing LGBTQ task force, advisory group nage such as rainbow flags and equality including a preference for all-gender or champion to expand the focus from stickers to demonstrate support for the restrooms in future new construction. clinical to environmental policies. These LGBTQ community. “Putting those stick- Of course, the single most important allies also can ensure posted language is ers at the front desk or in the bathroom step facilities professionals should be appropriate and inclusive. immediately created a welcoming sense, taking is training all staff members on That was the route the Philadel- that we recognize the differences and are LGBTQ competency. phia-based Einstein Healthcare Network, working toward being more accepting,” LGBTQ inclusivity is not simply for care now part of Jefferson Health, took when it Jaspan says. providers. All patient-facing positions, began updating its waiting rooms as part GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing from maintenance supervisors to environ- of the launch of its Pride Program seven LGBTQ Equality, a national organization mental services staff, should have basic years ago. advocating for health equity, has writ- training on LGBTQ identities, terminology, “We had about 10 volunteers from our ten the “Guidelines for Care of LGBTQ health disparities and competency. It is LGBTQ affinity group, and we asked them Patients,” which encourages providers to equally important to establish a clear to walk through the waiting room and include clues in health care spaces that process for reporting and responding to share what made them uncomfortable help patients determine what information any instances of discrimination or other and what made them feel welcome,” says they may comfortably share with their concerns that may arise. David Jaspan, DO, chair of obstetrics and health care provider. Inclusive reading “Mistakes are going to happen,” Jas- gynecology for Einstein Healthcare and material provides a sense of authentic- pan says. “But the other aspect of this to a key member of the health system’s ity, and GLMA suggests subscribing to remember is that, as long as you are com- Pride Program. local LGBTQ newspapers or magazines ing from a good place, just make sure that The first factor the team identified as to include in waiting rooms, displaying you’re willing to evolve and change and unwelcoming was the language on signage photographs or posters that depict LGBTQ learn.” // BY MEGAN HEADLEY 6 // NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 HFMmagazine.com Copyright of Health Facilities Management is the property of Health Forum and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. 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