How Can Health Care Do Better for LGBTQ+ Patients?

Going to the doctor or a hospital shouldn’t require bracing for insults, angst over one’s appearance, or worries over whether a loved one can join you at your bedside. But for too many patients who identify as LGBTQ+, that’s become standard fare. Many LGBTQ+ patients report receiving worse health care on average in America. They’re far more likely to report negative experiences and disrespect, and they’re also more likely to skip care or switch providers as a result, national surveys show. These forms of discrimination contribute to worse health outcomes for a group of patients already more likely to suffer a range of health disparities, including higher rates of mental health crises, chronic disease, physical disabilities, and homelessness. But there are growing efforts to change how providers communicate with patients, with the aim of building trust and creating a sense of safety that can lead to better quality care. In this webinar, we provide an overview of the landscape, discuss forward-thinking approaches to combatting discrimination, and hear suggestions from experts on how journalists can tell stories on these issues with nuance and thoughtfulness.
Find speaker bios and resources here: centerforhealt...