A recent study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), a nonpartisan health policy research organization, found that LGBTQ+ patients face discrimination at higher rates than non-LGBT patients.
Although 2023 survey results show that most LGBT adults report having generally positive relationships with their health care providers, they are twice as likely as non-LGBT patients to have a negative experience. It is concluded that there is. Those surveyed reported instances in which their questions were ignored or their doctors refused to give them painkillers.
Social Scientist Carrie Kandrian, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Internal Medicine in The University of Colorado School of Medicine focuses its research on improving the way older LGBT people are cared for during serious illness, especially in end-of-life care.
She said the findings highlight the need for further efforts and research to prevent further discrimination. She explains that there are many obstacles and barriers to good care and wants to create a more inclusive and safe healthcare environment for people of all backgrounds and orientations.
Accessibility issues
A significant number of LGBT older adults live below the poverty line, with financial insecurity and lack of adequate health care being one of the biggest barriers to accessing quality care.
“The lack of positive and safe clinicians is a big factor, and as a result people feel like they have to be silent about who they are or have to hide their true identity in order to actually receive treatment. Many people are unable to receive regular medical treatment because they are afraid that they will need it,'' Candillian says. “This is especially true for the trans community. That's why they end up not going.”
LGBT adults who are disabled, poor, nonwhite, or have mental health issues or addictions are even more likely to face discrimination when seeking health care. Among adults surveyed by KFF, those under 30 who identified as black or Hispanic and female were more likely to experience discrimination than non-LGBT adults.
“Fear, combined with a health care system that has historically not been inclusive and not designed for people who are not straight, white, and cisgender, makes it very difficult to speak up.” Kandorian explains. “Then there is the issue of denial of care. There are still no safeguards to prevent people from refusing care based on a variety of personal reasons.”
Risk of improper care
The LGBTQ population has higher prevalence of osteoporosis, various cancers (including colon, breast, ovarian, prostate, and cervical), obesity, and mental health disorders. Suicide rates are also high, especially among transgender people.
“In general, LGBT people are more likely to have estranged relationships with their families,” Kandrian said. “They're less likely to get married, they're less likely to have children. They're at a disadvantage in that they don't have as many people advocating on their behalf. It connects us to the undercurrents of discrimination that we know are happening everywhere.”
Beyond the mental health effects and risk of untreated medical problems, there are also underlying health issues that can be caused or exacerbated by the stress of experiencing discrimination. This stress manifests itself in physical symptoms and can take a serious toll on your cardiovascular health.
“Dealing with an illness such as cancer or dementia is recognized as one of the most difficult things a person can experience. Worrying about whether or not you'll be able to build one adds to your burden in extraordinary ways,” Kandillian says.
Patients do not have to reveal their identity or orientation during a doctor's visit. While this provides safety, it also reinforces a culture of silence. Doctors do not routinely ask for information about gender or sexuality. As a result, physicians are working with limited information and may be missing important details that will help inform their care.
growth opportunity
Candillian suggests that providers routinely ask about sexual orientation and gender identity, just as they ask about other information such as race and ethnicity. Combined with strong non-discrimination policies, this normalization can lead to deeper understanding and reduce discrimination.
“This data requirement must be developed through training and education,” Candrian explains. “This remains very dangerous information, and by learning how to ask these questions in a way that doesn't perpetuate discrimination, we can let people know that this is required to provide better care.” Masu.”
Resources for the LGBTQ community on the CU Anschutz campus are available, including the LGBTQ+ Hub and Campus Mental Health Resources.and the UCHealth Integrated Transgender Program.
“When people are talking to patients, colleagues, family, friends, I encourage them to ask themselves, 'Does the way I ask this question leave room for different types of answers?' What if I am transgender? What if I am estranged from my family? What if I have just lost my spouse? What if I am not legally married to my partner of 33 years? ” Candillian says. “Does the way you frame your questions keep them out or invite them in?”
