Patient Acceptance of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Questions on Intake Forms in Outpatient Clinics: A Pragmatic Randomized Multisite Trial

Abstract

Collection of SOGI data as a part of the routine clinical patient intake process is not distressing to 97 percent of patients who are heterosexual, cisgender, and older than 50 years.

Organizational Strategies and Inclusive Language to Build Culturally Responsive Health Care Environments for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer People

“…26,34,36 Studies indicate that most people will disclose their SOGI without feeling off ended or upset, particularly if the questions are standardized and framed as population health questions. [26][27][28][29][30][31] Sexual orientation and gender identity questions can be added to registration forms alongside routine demographic questions, such as age, education, and insurance carrier. Box 2 off ers evidence-supported SOGI questions for health care organizations; additional resources are available.…”

“…Box 2 off ers evidence-supported SOGI questions for health care organizations; additional resources are available. [25][26][27][28][29][30][31] In order to reassure patients about confi dentiality, registration forms can include a statement on how data will be used; for example: "Th e information in your medical record is protected under [state law] and will be kept secure to protect your privacy and confi dentiality. Only medical personnel who need to know your medical history will access your records.…”

“…Most patients of all gender identities and ages are willing to answer standard form questions about pronouns (Box 2). 29 Meaningful Use Stage 3 Guidelines require electronic health records to have the capacity to record SOGI in structured data fi elds; 35 most systems, however, will need to be customized in-house or with the vendor to accommodate pronouns and multiple names. Temporary solutions are to record names and pronouns in free text fi elds, or to add a written note on the top of the paper record.…”

Addressing Needs of Transgender Patients: The Role of Family Physicians

“…These questions have been found to be understood and acceptable to transgender individuals as well as to the majority of heterosexual, cisgender patients. 13 Sexual and gender minority patients may prefer to disclose their gender identity in writing, for example by completing registration forms. 14 Knowledge of a person's sex assignment at birth is important for health care providers to deliver appropriate medical care, in particular for sexual and reproductive health and cancer screenings.…”

Perils of data-driven equity: Safety-net care and big data’s elusive grasp on health inequality

“…Despite these extensive arguments for data collection and the successive rollout of several SOGI data initiatives, however, there is relatively little work that examines big data in action within the health systems expected to transform. Existing studies focus on the technical details of item responses, reporting relatively high levels of patient acceptability in support of data collection (Cahill et al, 2014;Rullo et al, 2018). But as promising as they may appear, these studies typically employ survey methods that miss crucial elements affecting health care delivery in everyday practice.…”