This month Fenway Health, a leader in LGBT healthcare, published a policy brief entitled: "How to Gather Data on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Clinical Settings."
The guide includes information on: intake forms, facilitating provider/patient conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity, barriers related to data collection around sexual orientation and gender identity, and using computer-based questionnaires to gather data.
This policy brief meets two important needs around data collection related to sexual orientation and gender identity. *First, it briefly explains the purpose and health benefits of collecting accurate information about a patient's sexual orientation and gender identity. A topic that needs to greater visibility in the medical community if LGBT people are ever going to receive culturally competent care. In addition, its detailed examples of how to appropriately conduct research and conversations related to sexual orientation and gender identity will prepare researchers and clinicians to implement these suggested best practices.
I am excited about its publication and hope that it will become a staple in medical and psychological training programs across the country, as well as a key part of all clinical practices.
*If you would like more information about the purpose of collecting data on sexual orientation and gender identity I encourage you to review their other recent policy brief: "Why Gather Data on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Clinical Settings."
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