Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Inpatient Satisfaction Survey: Results and Implications

Abstract

Background: Disparities in health care among lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) communities have been researched in primary care, but few have examined these phenomena among LGBT inpatients. Methods: Descriptive correlational study. A questionnaire was emailed to an LGBT population for a total of 508 participants. Questionnaires addressed level of satisfaction with hospital employees and whether this was related to their sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI). Descriptive statistics describe participants and hospitals. χ2 was used to examine satisfaction and belief based on SOGI, recommendation to LGBT friends, and the relationship between location and likelihood of recommendation. Results: Those reporting dissatisfaction were likely to indicate it was related to their SOGI. They were less likely to recommend the hospital to LGBT friends or family. Analysis between location and recommendation identified rural hospitals as less likely to be recommended. Discussion: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender patients perceived lack of courtesy by hospital employees to be related to their SOGI.

Concept Analysis

“…Client experience, often measured by client satisfaction, is a common health care metric that facilities use to evaluate, rank, and benchmark with other facilities 58. Unfortunately, many surveys do not include SOGI demographics 59. Studies have linked LGBT+ inclusive care to increased client satisfaction 22,48.…”

“…When clients are dissatisfied with the care received, they are less likely to recommend the facility to LGBT+ peers. Clients' satisfaction with care received is correlated with health care–seeking behaviors 59…”

Caring for Transgender People in Healthcare: A Qualitative Study with Hospital Staff in Croatia

“…The participants in this study stated that working with transgender people might be a challenge and that they need (a) more medical information—knowledge about the interaction of different medical treatments and the drugs used in treatment, and the gender reassignment process with other health conditions, and (b) an affirmative approach and self-improvement in this regard. In the context of diversity competence, educational programs should present gender identity as “a marker of minority status” [ 37 ]. The inclusion of topics related to transgender people, their health, and the health risks in the curriculum of medical studies and other professions involved in healthcare would be an important step toward improving diversity competence [ 10 , 25 ].…”

“…Finally, on a macrolevel, it can be achieved through public health programs aimed specifically at transgender people (e.g., enabling gynecological examinations for transgender men or advocacy for paid mastectomies through health insurance). At the same time, possible challenges and resistance to the proposed interventions need to be taken into consideration [ 37 ] and viewed through the lens of the local culture and values related to gender, gender identity, and socially expected gender roles.…”

Implementing inclusive strategies to deliver high‐quality LGBTQ+ care in health care systems

“…There is no shortage of avenues to receive consumer feedback in today's highly digitalized world. Health care facilities are likely already hearing from LGBTQ+ patients who may have feedback on the level of affirming care they may or may not receive (Klotzbaugh & Spencer, 2020). Being mindful of collecting and incorporating these patients’ voices is crucial to determine how changes should be planned, how to measure them and how to determine if any success is occurring (e.g.…”