Improving Inclusive Practices for LGBTQ+ Populations

Abstract: Patients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, or as other gender and sexual minorities (LGBTQ+) often experience interpersonal and structural inequities in care. In this presentation, we describe an interdisciplinary education initiative for healthcare professionals, the purpose of which is to build awareness to promote equitable care for LGBTQ+ patients. The educational offering has two parts: 1) a didactic that includes skills-based practice and 2) a simulation with standardized patients (SPs) for enhancing those skills further. This project is a collaborative effort with clinical ethicists and multidisciplinary clinical colleagues who work in inpatient and outpatient areas. We will share the structure of this initiative, feedback received from learners, and feedback from the SPs who have relevant lived experiences.
Clinical ethicists have a role in recognizing health disparities and training colleagues and trainees on inclusive practices, especially given challenges in their region. Clinical ethicists can also promote proactive engagement to empower patients in healthcare environments by creating moral space for advance care planning. In our clinical context, unmarried partners and chosen families (who are not related biologically or through adoption) do not have authority as surrogate decision-makers unless they are appointed as a Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPoA). Yet, the majority of LGBTQ+ individuals report that healthcare professionals do not routinely talk with them about advance care planning or the potential importance of HCPoA documentation. Our education initiative aimed to help practitioners understand this facet of care and provide opportunities to practice inclusive advance care planning for LGBTQ+ patients.

Lauren Sankary, JD, MA – Cleveland Clinic; Jennifer Katlen, MEd, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, GERO-BC – Cleveland Clinic South Pointe