Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Patients: How to Navigate Terminology in Patient Care

Strategies for Inclusive Medical Imaging Environments for Sexual and Gender Minority Patients and Radiographers: An Integrative Literature Review

“…Regarding the use of inclusive language, other studies in health sciences, including radiography, also advocated for amendments to history and intake forms to use more inclusive language [5,15,39]. A study found that transgender patients felt that obtaining information about their gender identity and sexual orientation is relevant for health care practitioners to provide safe and appropriate care [44].…”

“…A study found that transgender patients felt that obtaining information about their gender identity and sexual orientation is relevant for health care practitioners to provide safe and appropriate care [44]. Literature shows that policies and procedures in the healthcare setting should also contain inclusive language, for a complete systemic transformation [5,15,39,44]. From the review, it is clear that the SIGE form is a start in addressing the issue on inclusive language in administrative documentation; more must be done to address all patient-type needs in all areas in the medical imaging environment [34].…”

“…Such strategies could also be more informal through continuing professional development and in-service training opportunities [10,13,14,39,40]. Education and training should also focus on the correct terminology to use when addressing individuals with differing sexual orientations and gender identities as well as cultural competence through an intersectionality lens [4,15,37,39,46]. By implication, one can argue that education and training should also be provided in organisations to ensure that all employers and employees are more sensitive, culturally aware and competent to ensure greater diversity integration.…”

“…amendments to policies and procedures, the use of inclusive language in administrative documentation beyond the heteronormative binaries, inclusion of sexual and gender minority-related content in health sciences curricula to develop cultural competence among students, and the presence of signs and symbols in the physical health care environment to demonstrate a supportive and affirming environment for all patient groups and HCPs [13][14][15][16][17].…”

Combating LGBTQ+ health disparities by instituting a family medicine curriculum

“…18 The clinical space should be welcoming and the intake paperwork and electronic health record (EHR) should be inclusive. 19,20 To develop a more trusting, informed, and collaborative relationship with the patients, clinicians are encouraged to take a nonjudgmental, open, and understanding approach. Most importantly, FM residents should be trained to directly and comfortably discuss matters related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and LGBTQ+ health.…”