Volume 3
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Issue 2

Promoting Inclusivity within an LGBTQ+ Clinic in Southern Connecticut

By:
Kurtulann
Baig
ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to examine strategies for improving healthcare outcomes and experiences for LGBTQ+ patients within a healthcare clinic in southern Connecticut. Access to appropriate health care often leads to insufficient health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals. Assessing the effectiveness of surveying LGBTQ+ patients at this health clinic, so that changes can be made to make it more welcoming for those who identify as LGBTQ+. Health care providers at this clinic will receive a training video on LGBTQ+ healthcare inclusion as part of this small-scale study. Health education and sensitivity training are essential to improving the experiences of LGBTQ patients and their outcomes. To overcome the healthcare disparities facing this population, it is necessary to advocate for indiscriminate, equitable health care for LGBTQ individuals. (Moran, 2021) These initiatives are to establish better relationships between LGBTQ+ identifying patients and providers at the clinic. The LGBTQ community suffers from higher rates of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicide than heterosexual peers. In the absence of timely medical treatment, patients experience feelings of distrust and discrimination from healthcare providers. There is a clear need for quality improvement as heterosexual and LGBTQ people receive distinct types of health care and experience healthcare providers differently. (Moran, 2021) By combining small-scale research with community empowerment, this study aims to reduce health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ people in Southern Connecticut. Clinical staff at this clinic can ensure LGBTQ+ patients feel valued and supported by creating an inclusive, respectful, and understanding environment. An initiative-taking approach to health management, such as empowering LGBTQ+ communities to conduct self-examinations, can contribute to overall well-being. Lack of education on LGBTQ health and a culture of heteronormativity seem to be responsible for many issues of inadequate care. There is a need for further research on interventions that could facilitate the disclosure of sexual orientation and change heteronormative assumptions held by staff. The inclusion of LGBTQ issues in nursing and midwifery education or continuing professional development is recommended. (Stewart, et al., 2017) As part of the ongoing conversation on healthcare equity, this study emphasizes the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers and LGBTQ+ communities to achieve optimal health outcomes.
Published:
August 1, 2024
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