Journal
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING
Volume 99, Issue 10, Pages 1676-1684Publisher
ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2016.05.004
Keywords
LGBT; Sexual and gender minorities; Health; Healthcare providers; Oncology
Funding
- Scholarly Concentrations Program at USF Health, Morsani College of Medicine
- Survey Methods Core Facility at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
- NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center [P30-CA076292]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Objective: There are limited data on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) healthcare experiences and interactions with the providers. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practice behaviors of oncology providers regarding LGBT health. Methods: A 32-item web-based survey was emailed to 388 oncology providers at a single institution. The survey assessed: demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practice behaviors. Results: 108 providers participated in the survey (28% response rate). <50% answered knowledge questions correctly. 94% stated they were comfortable treating this population. 26% actively inquired about a patient's sexual orientation when taking a history. 36% felt the need for mandatory education on LGBT cultural competency at the institution. Results from the open comments section identified multiple misconceptions. Conclusion: This study revealed knowledge gaps about LGBT health risks. Cultural competency training may aid oncology providers to understand the need to inquire about patients' gender identity and sexual orientation. Practice implications: Health care providers who incorporate the routine collection of gender identity and sexual orientation (SOGI) in their patient history taking may improve patient care by offering tailored education and referrals. While identifying as LGBT does not in itself increase risk for adverse health outcomes, this population tends to have increased risk behaviors. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available