Improving equitable access to inclusive sexual healthcare in a small urban college health setting

Abstract

Background Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) experience many disparities in sexual health. College health centers must address early inequities for this population. Local Problem Significant access disparity was noted for SGM students at a small urban college health center. The aim of this quality initiative was to increase equitable access by 20% over 90 days. Methods A rapid‐cycle quality improvement project was initiated using a Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act model. Interventions Templated nurse‐led visits, a discussion starter tool, and an inclusive care checklist were introduced, with assurance of equity for each metric, and a focus on team collaboration. Results Access to sexual health services increased by 22.6% over 8 weeks with SGM utilization increasing 2.7‐fold. Guideline‐concordant care improved by 94% for all students. Student comfort scores (Likert range 1–5) also improved, from a baseline of 3.53 to a project mean of 4.62. Conclusions This project addressed equity in a college health setting through improved student engagement, targeted workflow innovation, and enhanced team collaboration. Application of key findings to other health topics will continue to mitigate disparities in college health centers. Tools may also be applied to adolescent and adult primary care settings to improve patient comfort and SGM‐inclusive sexual health service delivery.

From quality improvement to equality improvement projects: A scoping review and framework

“… 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration Cross-disciplinary projects are more likely to yield understanding of the complex causes of inequity and different teams are well-positioned to generate an appropriate interventions. 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 Outreach/educating patients Successful EQIPs used outreach techniques to engage minorities and provide information on their available care. 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 Educate staff/provide clear information on disparities Provide education on disparities that exist and how biases may manifest.…”