Development and Implementation of a Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer+ Inclusion Toolkit to Increase Relevant Health Screenings

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ (LGBTQ+) individuals may face challenges within the healthcare system that relate to discrimination, physical abuse, possible bias regarding their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), or little to no training of providers regarding their unique health needs. To address these issues there are various trainings and recommendations available that increase awareness so healthcare persons can better provide culturally sensitive healthcare to this vulnerable population. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was to improve the healthcare LGBTQ+ individuals receive by using current care recommendations to develop and implement an inclusion toolkit to better meet the needs of these individuals. The focus population for this project was adult LGBTQ+ patients attending a nurse practitioner’s primary care clinic located within an underserved inner-city neighborhood with a large minority population. Data was obtained using convenience sampling of deidentified chart information before and after implementation of the inclusion toolkit’s recommendations. The intent of the inclusion toolkit was to increase the collection of SOGI data and the proportion of screenings performed for depression and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Data was analyzed to determine if there was a postintervention increase in the proportion of screenings for depression and STIs completed and collection of SOGI data compared to pre-implementation baseline. Results of this quality improvement project provided information on the usefulness of an LGBTQ+ inclusion toolkit for enhancement of provider’s knowledge, practice, and awareness of the unique care needs of these individuals, with the aim of improving health outcomes.