Texas Social Work Ebook Continuing Education

RECOMMENDATIONS

There are several additional suggestions in the literature to decrease disparity and improve access to care among LGBTQQ persons. Although there has been some increase in acceptance of sexual minority individuals, there is still much work needed to reduce the health disparities and identify risks: Increase education The topic of health disparities among the LGBTQQ population for social workers in licensure and post- licensure programs and a requirement for continuing education focused on health disparity, populations affected, risks factors, and recommendations for practice changes may assist to increase awareness, thereby decreasing disparity. Seek resources for continuing education An Increase in knowledge and understanding on topics of concern for the LGBTQ population improves patient outcomes. Effective communication Using correct pronouns will increase a patient’s comfort level. Do not gossip or joke about any patient. Encourage coworkers in their communication with patients. If you are uncertain, avoid use of gender-related terms until you have confirmed this information with the patient. Apologize if you make an error and if there is a discrepancy with names or records. Ask what the name on the insurance card is or if the chart may have a different name. Confirm identity with date of birth. Increase data collection on transgender individuals As previously mentioned, there is minimal data available, lack of provider knowledge, and hesitancy to disclose this information to others. Four focus groups, with self- identified transgender individuals, explored the feasibility of asking about transgender identity in the Current Population Survey sponsored jointly by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS; Holzberg et al., 2018). Feedback revealed some concerns about accuracy of responses since answers may be made by household proxy and because it would be difficult to create adequate response options to capture group

diversity (Holzberg et al., 2018). General recommendations were to develop and test a variety of questions to test with

other trans focus groups. Address one’s own bias

Explicit bias is conscious; the person is aware of their feelings, which may be expressed in words or actions. Implicit bias is unconscious and can reflexively interfere with assessments, decision-making, and provider- patient relationships (Marcelin et al., 2019). Both explicit (conscious) and implicit (unconscious) bias should not be in healthcare. The former will take significant time and effort to overcome. Implicit bias must be uncovered and identified by the individual who must then desire to change their thoughts and behavior (Marcelin et al., 2019). Several versions of the Implicit Association Test (Greenwald et al., 1988; as cited in Marcelin et al., 2019)) can be accessed online (https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html). Consider taking the Sexuality IAT, Transgender IAT, and Guidelines and screening tools exist for general wellness in primary care practice and for specialty diagnosis in multiple settings. Guidelines are developed systematically through the examination and review of current evidence and are designed to improve patient outcomes. The Race IAT to assist with your self-evaluation. Use of screening tools and guidelines process of development is deliberate and can be evaluated using AGREE II criteria, which include selecting a panel consisting of individuals experienced in the topic, those of relevant disciplines, and those with expertise in diversity (American Psychological Association [APA], 2002). The guides are to be specific for the type of profession and setting for their use along with the population type and age (APA, 2002). The guideline should also specify a time interval for review and revision. The development and testing of screening tools occur through literature reviews and clinical research. These tools are validated and reliability determined through further research. To provide consistent care and optimize outcomes for our LGBTQ clients, we need adequately developed guidelines that are evaluated and revised as information is updated.

CONCLUSION

There are many ways health disparities exist in the United States, resulting in individuals of various racial/ethnic groups, socioeconomic classes, ages, abilities, genders, and sexual identities experiencing more negative health outcomes. LGBTQQ health disparities exist through all age groups. Youth have higher rates of homelessness, suicide, and mental health issues than their heterosexual peers. Fear of and experiences with discrimination and stigma influence the decision whether to seek healthcare. Insurance coverage, cost, and lack of knowledgeable and

experienced providers can cause a delay in seeking care. This course discussed methods to create a welcoming environment with a focus on primary care. Healthcare professionals in acute and residential care settings can still identify small ways to create a more inclusive environment among their units and possibly address the administration if there are instances of outright bias observed or encountered. Change is reliant on the identification of a situation in need of a different outcome. Self-reflection and an awareness of one’s own biases is a good starting point.

Book Code: SWTX1525

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