254506 A descriptive study of LGBT health centers in the United States

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Henry Ng, MD, MPH , Center for Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
Joseph Sudano, PhD , Center for Health Care Research and Policy, Case Western Reserve University at the MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH
Background: The Institute of Medicine Report on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Health and Healthy People 2020 call attention to the impact that geographic isolation, discrimination against LGBT persons, and low provider knowledge, skills and awareness of the health needs of LGBT people have on LGBT population health. Little has been reported about the characteristics of health care at LGBT health centers where presumably best practices and infrastructure exist to care for LGBT patients. Therefore, describing these characteristics of care is fundamental in reducing health disparities for LGBT populations.

Methods: Potential LGBT health centers were identified by reviewing the membership of the National Coalition for LGBT Health website and expert opinion. Participants at these sites were medical directors and/or mid-level administrators. Each participant completed a six-item open-ended questionnaire and a structured interview between July 2011 and September 2011.

Results: Nine of the twelve identified sites participated. Key findings from the interviews included:

1. LGBT health centers served diverse communities with a variable proportion of self-identified LGBT patients.

2. Unique attributes of LGBT health centers included specific health programs, involvement in community, LGBT-focused research, and LGBT-focused patient care.

3. LGBT Health centers involved the community by having community members serve on a governing body or by health messaging strategies. Common health topics included HIV/AIDS, STDs, general health, hepatitis, alcohol abuse, tobacco abuse, substance abuse, cancer, and mood disorders.

Three central themes arose from the participant questionnaires:

1. Cultural competence is important for all staff 2. Affirmation of LGBT people 3. Developing health care tailored to the needs of the LGBT community

Conclusion:

LGBT health centers provide LGBT-affirming care and have developed specific patient and public health programs to meet their needs. Adapting these programs to other settings may better address the health needs of LGBT people.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Other professions or practice related to public health
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe characteristics of health care for LGBT people at LGBT health centers in the United States.

Keywords: Lesbian Health, Gay

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was the principal investigator for this research study on LGBT health centers. I am the currently the Clinical Director of a LGBT health service line, PRIDE Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally, I am the President-Elect of the Gay Lesbian Medical Association.
Any relevant financial relationships? Yes

Name of Organization Clinical/Research Area Type of relationship
Gay Lesbian Medical Association LGBT Health Advisory Committee/Board

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4266.1: LGBT Caucus of Public Health Professionals Poster Session 2