PROVIDING COMPETENT CARE FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) PATIENTS

Course overview

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) patients have been historically neglected by the U.S. health care system due to issues including lack of awareness, discomfort with the topic, etc. Several studies, however, support the position that provider education regarding the LGBT community unique care needs improve providers? attitudes and willingness to clinically engage LGBT patients. A growing body of evidence identifies health disparities that negatively affect LGBT populations. LGBT patient are at increased risk for experiencing mental health problems, engaging in substance use and abuse, experiencing discrimination and violence victimization. LGBT patient generally receive less preventive care and fewer cancer screenings, likely related to access barriers such as lack of adequate health insurance coverage and discrimination in medical settings. It is particularly important for healthcare providers to recognize that LGBT communities encounter unique barriers to accessing and using appropriate health services. This course provides an overview of the attitudes, knowledge, and skills that healthcare providers should attain to provide competent care to their LGBT patients.