The
Institute of Medicine has highlighted specific healthcare concerns that greatly
affect the health of LGBT members. The following is a list of healthcare areas
that have been reported to be most prevalent and problematic. It has been
reported that homosexual populations have higher rates of cardiovascular
disease and obesity, an increased risk of lung, ovarian, endometrial, cervical,
breast, and stomach cancer, and higher rates of mental health problems
(O’Hanlan et al., 2004). Due to the increased risk factors for heart disease
and multiple types of cancers, researcher efforts are geared towards the
development of culturally competent risk reduction strategies to eliminate
heath disparities and equalities among the LGBT population.
The
Department of Health and Human Services has developed and summarized a list of
health challenges faced by homosexual individuals. Many of these problems are
related to the access of preventive service such as Pap smears for lesbians.
Research has found that some physicians have incorrectly informed lesbians that
they do not require a Pap smear because they are in a low risk category
(O’Hanlan et al., 2004). This situation depicts the cause of health disparities
due to the lack of knowledge and sensitivity of the LGBT population.
As
a healthcare professional and advocate, one must demonstrate competent care for
all patients regardless of their cultural beliefs, sexual orientation, and ethical
values. To advocate and provide equal care for the LGBT population, healthcare
professionals must know how to competently care for the needs of these
patients. The article Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health: Is
Nursing Still in The Closet?, stated that to break the silence regarding the
proper care for LGBT patients, scholarly disclosure must be addressed in the
classroom and curriculum of nursing schools, in research, and at the bedside
(Lim & Levitt, 2011). For example, nursing school curricula lack focus on
the LGBT population. The implementation of case studies and clinical scenarios
geared towards the LBGT population problems will increase the competency and
equality of care delivered by healthcare professional. To practice competently
as a health professional it is imperative that nursing educators, researchers,
and registered nurses have to ability and understanding how to address and
provide the appropriate care for the health needs of these patients. To remain
faithful to the profession’s mission, healthcare professionals must take a proactive
approach to addressing the needs and safety of LGBT patients (Lim & Levitt,
2011).
Policies
and standards must change within the institution to end the discrimination
against homosexuality and inequality of all LGBT patients. Policy statements
should note and reinforce that it is against the professional code of ethics to
deny lesbians insemination or obstetrical services and to deny adoption to
individuals based on sexual orientation. It is not only important to readdress
these standards with the employees, but also ensure all patients and visitors
of the hospital or clinic are aware of these policies. A printed sample of the
policy may be posted in patient rooms, waiting rooms, or hallways to reinforce
the institutions nondiscrimination approach to providing equal care to all
patients (O’Hanlan et al., 2004).
O’Hanlan,
K., Dibble, S., Hagan, H, & Davids, R. (2004). Advocacy for women’s health
should include lesbian
health. Journal of
Women’s Health, 13(2), 227-234.
Lim,
F., & Levitt, N. (2011). Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender health. American Journal of Nursing,
111(11),
11.
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