Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/981659
41 PATIENT EXPERIENCE 97% of patients comfortable with sexual orientation questions, Mayo Clinic study finds By Megan Knowles U p to 97 percent of patients are comfortable with questions from their healthcare provider about their sexual orientation and gender identity. ese questions significantly reduce dispar- ities among LGBTI patients, according to a study conducted by researchers at Roches- ter, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic and published in Health Services Research. Despite a number of government reports encouraging providers to ask these ques- tions, little evidence existed about whether patients accept these questions, according to the researchers. "Our results should help ease the con- cerns of providers who want to deliver the highest-quality care for their patients but may not ask sexual orientation or gender identity questions for fear of distressing or offending their patients," said Joan Grif- fin, PhD, co-author and health services researcher at Mayo Clinic. Sexual and gender minorities face an increased risk for alcohol and tobacco use and psychological distress. ese patients are also less likely to seek medical care, ac- cording to the CDC. To tackle these health inequities, physicians and healthcare first must identify these patients. Previous research indicates a number of healthcare providers assumed sexual orien- tation and gender identity questions would offend patients. "In previous studies, there was more concern from healthcare provid- ers about using the questions, but nobody had asked patients about their thoughts," Dr. Griffin said. "erefore, we were not sure what to expect from patients, but we were not surprised that patients were less concerned about the questions than the providers in other studies thought they would be." Mayo Clinic patients will receive these questions as the system switches to a single, integrated EHR and billing system. The questions include what patients' assigned birth sex was, what their current gender identity is and their preferred gen- der pronoun. Patients will have the option to respond, "choose not to answer" to all the questions. Mayo Clinic's integrated EHR system launched at Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus in May. Mayo Clinic's Arizona and Florida campuses will roll out the system in October. n You're looking at one of the most effective air purification systems you can buy. Don't see it? Look up. Overhead, out of sight, the patented UV24 system provides continuous ultraviolet protection against airborne bacteria, viruses and fungi, all safely shielded behind standard-sized fluorescent or LED ceiling lights. Now, every room in your facility, even occupied rooms, can be made healthier, so you, your staff and your patients can breathe a lot easier. In the world of airborne infection control, UV24 is a game-changer. Learn more at www.nuvosurgical.com One UV24 unit can treat a volume of air equivalent to a 10' x 10' x 8' room, four times per hour. (814) 899-4220 | www.nuvosurgical.com Member of the Medical Illumination family