Primary Author, Sensitivity to LGBT Patient Needs, OHSU

Portland, OR

ABSTRACT: Objective: To assess existing attitudes and policies within American, Canadian and Puerto Rican OB/GYN residencies concerning lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients and to evaluate level of compliance with ACOG recommendations regarding this population. Methods: Five ACOG recommendations were chosen for compliance assessment and embedded within a web-based survey. Other survey questions addressed program demographics, resident education, attitudes and policies towards the LGBT community. Invitations to participate were sent to 224 residency directors with deliverable email addresses. Results: 69 (31%) residency directors responded. Residency program characteristics significantly associated with increased compliance were 1) site location in the U.S. North Atlantic, Middle Atlantic and Pacific regions [OR=7.67 (1.44-40.92)], 2) provision of LGBT-inclusive training for residents [OR=4.40 (1.40-13.81)] and 3) provision of LGBT-inclusive training for nurses and staff [OR=18.00 (4.33-74.76)]. Canadian and Puerto Rican programs were largely noncompliant with ACOG recommendations. Although a strong majority of residency directors [57 (83%)] felt that their program serves the LGBT on par with other patient populations only 28 (41%) could be considered loosely compliant by minimum criteria. No participating program was 100% compliant. Conclusion: The majority of OB/GYN residency programs are noncompliant with ACOG recommendations regarding LGBT patients in contrast to perceptions. Residency programs have the opportunity to evaluate more carefully their level of compliance and to take the necessary steps to improve hospitality and accessibility for this population. Manuscript in preparation.

Preliminary data presented 10/25/08 at the 26th Annual Conference of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association in Seattle, WA. Click here for presentation.

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