Creating Welcoming Spaces for Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual,and Transgender (LGBT) Patients: An Evaluation of the Health Care Environment |
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Authors: | Zachary McClain Linda A Hawkins |
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Institution: | 1. Craig-Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;2. Penn Medicine Program for LGBT Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;3. Social Work and Family Services Department, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACTHealth outcomes are affected by patient, provider, and environmental factors. Previous studies have evaluated patient-level factors; few focusing on environment. Safe clinical spaces are important for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities. This study evaluates current models of LGBT health care delivery, identifies strengths and weaknesses, and makes recommendations for LGBT spaces. Models are divided into LGBT-specific and LGBT-embedded care delivery. Advantages to both models exist, and they provide LGBT patients different options of healthcare. Yet certain commonalities must be met: a clean and confidential system. Once met, LGBT-competent environments and providers can advocate for appropriate care for LGBT communities, creating environments where they would want to seek care. |
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Keywords: | Bioethics bisexual clinical ethics clinical practice homosexuality intersex lesbian LGBT health transgender |
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