| Description |
Background: Sexual orientation and gender identity (SO/GI) data is largely underreported in clinics across America (Kress, et al., 2021). The absence of sexual orientation and gender identity information can contribute to the health disparities faced by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer plus (LGBTQ+) community, as patient needs are not being identified, and important health care services are not being provided (CDC, 2022). However, improved SO/GI data collection could lead to increased prevention screening, patient education, and improved treatment practices (Bosse, et al., 2018). Research into data collection methods at Midtown Community Health Centers determined that much of the patient demographic information is collected through the patient intake forms, but there was little SO/GI data inclusion questions on the form. Local Problem: The LGBTQ+ community is at an increased risk for negative health outcomes including obesity, depression, substance abuse, and sexually transmitted infections. The LGBTQ+ community has decreased access to and utilization of healthcare. Collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data may help to decrease health disparities but it is not routinely collected at many clinics. Methods: Patient intake forms were updated according to CDC recommendations to include questions about a patient's sex, gender, preferred name, and sexual orientation. These forms were printed in both English and Spanish due to the large number of Spanish-speaking patients. Education on SO/GI data collection was developed and given to clinic staff. Afterwards, the updated forms were implemented across clinics and patient demographics were compared from 2021 and 2022. Additionally, surveys were sent pre and post-implementation to staff to determine SO/GI data collection practices. Interventions: The patient intake form was updated to include SO/GI demographic questions and clinic staff was educated on SO/GI data collection to improve data collection practices. Results: There was a 48.5% increase in the number of patients reporting gender identity information (2021 n= 1,707, 2022 n= 2,535) and a 44.5% increase in the number of patients reporting sexual orientation information (2021 n= 1,748, 2022 n= 2,526). In 2021, only 7% (n=1,707) of patients had identified gender identity information and 7% (n=1,748) of patients had identified sexual orientation information included in the EHR. In 2022, 11% (n=2,535) of the patient population had gender identity information and 11% (n=2,526) had sexual orientation information. Survey results post-implementation showed respondents were more comfortable and confident with collecting SO/GI information and they were doing so more frequently following implementation. Conclusion: An increase in SO/GI data collection was observed. However, it is difficult to determine if the patient intake form caused the increase in patient information due to the limited time of implementation during the data collection period. Staff reported an increase in knowledge and confidence in discussing SO/GI data with patients. Further continuation of the project is needed. The project did highlight the feasibility of increasing SO/GI screening practices. |
