June 20, 2019 | Chris DeFrancesco '94 (CLAS) - UConn Health

UConn Health Working to Enhance LGBTQ+ Patient Experience

As the world observes Pride Month, UConn Health moves toward a more accommodating care environment for LGBTQ+ patients.

Nurse practitioner Britta Shute and patient Gina Guimond in an exam room

Nurse practitioner Britta Shute and patient Gina Guimond speak in UConn Health's family medicine office in Canton. (Photo by Kristin Wallace)

UConn Health is taking steps to improve the health care experience for LGBTQ+ patients.

A Transgender and Gender Inclusive Patient Working Group is in the process of reviewing the institution’s policies, practices, training programs, interactions, services, and communications with third parties. Its membership includes administrators and stakeholders from throughout the University.

“We are identifying opportunities to increase awareness and sensitivity, and to foster an inclusive environment that meets the unique needs of transgender populations,” says UConn Health Vice President for Ambulatory Services Anne Horbatuck, who co-chairs the working group with Sarah Chipman from UConn’s Office of Institutional Equity.

One of the tools the group is using for its assessment is the Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index survey. The annual survey uses a point system to measure the strength of the applicant’s nondiscrimination policies and clinical practices. One of the group’s goals is to participate in a future survey session to assess UConn Health’s policies and practices.

“According to the 2015 US Trans Survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality, 33% of respondents who had seen a health care provider in the past year reported a negative experience,” says work group member Britta Shute, a nurse practitioner in UConn Health’s family medicine practice in Canton. “Another 23% did not see a provider when they needed to because of fear of being mistreated as a transgender person. This initiative is of utmost importance to ensure that these individuals have access to care and have an overall positive experience navigating our health care system.”

The criteria in the Healthcare Equality Index rating system include:

  • Policies on patient nondiscrimination, visitation, and employment nondiscrimination
  • Staff training on LGBTQ+ patient-centered care
  • Best practices for patient services and support, self-identification, and medical decision making
  • Employee benefits and policies
  • Patient and community engagement
  • Responsible citizenship

The UConn School of Medicine already exceeds national standards for LGBTQ+ curriculum in medical schools. Students have additional opportunities to learn about specific LGBTQ+ care during their clinical rotations. The primary care residency and endocrine fellowships also have formal curriculum in this area.

Additionally, UConn Health’s TGIP Working Group has an ally in the recently created Office of Patient Experience, which, while separate from the group, shares the common goals of providing services that are inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

“We know that health care is not easy to navigate and for our transgender patients, the system can be even more complicated,” says Cindy Molin, vice president for patient experience. “Together with the TGIP Working Group we are making important connections to take action to improve the experience for all of our patients.”