Health & health care for lesbian, bisexual and same sex attracted women |
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Lesbian, bisexual
and SSA womens' health |
Guidelines for Health Care |
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This section is for women who are same sex attracted, have a female partner, identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual and also for health care providers. The availability of health care providers and services that are sensitive to and knowledgeable about the needs of same sex attracted women is a central need. However, information about how to locate such services is difficult to find. Equally, health care providers have generally received little specific training in lesbian and bisexual women’s health. They also have difficulty in accessing evidence-based information.
Finding sensitive health care providersSome same sex attracted women can have difficulty finding a health care provider with a sensitive and aware approach to their health care. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a sensitive provider. Some women’s health services also provide lists of health care providers who are known to be sensitive and aware. Many health care providers have not had specific education about lesbian and bisexual women’s health needs, so at times you may need to share information with them about your lifestyle and health needs. Some women choose to attend a new health care provider with their partner or a friend to feel more secure until they are sure about the provider’s approach. Information: Australian Lesbian Medical Association WIRE – women’s information and referral exchange Women’s Heath in the South East Women’s Health Grampians Women’s Health Loddon Mallee Disclosure of sexual orientation to health care providersSame sex attracted women have a wide range of opinions about whether they need to disclose their sexual orientation to health care providers. Some women prefer to disclose in all circumstances, believing that their sexual orientation is an important part of themselves that should be revealed to allow the most appropriate care. Others disclose only to regular and trusted providers, or when the need arises. Still others never disclose, regarding this information as private and irrelevant to their health care. We know that most health care providers generally wait for women to disclose, rather than directly asking about sexual orientation. However, many lesbian studies have shown that lesbians often prefer to be asked, rather than having the full responsibility. There is some evidence that disclosure to a sensitive provider improves health outcomes. However there is also evidence that disclosure can be met with negative attitudes, which in turn can create barriers to health care access. This topic is being explored in depth with respect to general practice care, as part of the DIALOG study by Dr Ruth McNair. This should provide more insight into how and when disclosure is most comfortable for women and their doctors. Resources: Getting the best from your GP Guidelines for health care providers on lesbian-sensitive health careThe Australian Medical Association (AMA) There is growing awareness amongst health care providers that there has been insufficient attention paid to the health of lesbian, bisexual and same sex attracted women throughout their education. The AMA released a position statement in 2002, which identified several specific health issues for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and recommended improved training for doctors in this area. Australian Medical Association. Position Statement on Sexual Identity and Gender Diversity, 2002, accessible at http://www.ama.com.au/web.nsf/doc/WEEN-5GA2YX Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria (GLHV) GLHV was established in 2004. One of the aims of this unit was to establish standards of care for LGBT people and to assist in developing training modules for health care providers. This work is underway during 2005-2006. The initial phase has been to produce a tool kit for health care providers. This consists of waiting room posters and pamphlets on working to reduce barriers to health care. There is also a sexual diversity health services audit tool, which can help health services providers assess how they are doing in terms of care for LGBT people and perhaps highlight areas for improvement. GLHV waiting room poster Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria contact details: Brief guidelines for health care providers These guidelines were published by Dr Ruth McNair in the Medical
Journal of Australia in 2003* (see Research Projects and Papers).
They are based in part on clinical guidelines from the Gay and Lesbian
Medical Association in USA.
Resources Clinical Guidelines: Creating a safe clinical environment
for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex clients. Not 'just' a friend: best practice guidance on health care
for lesbian, gay and bisexual service users and their families Not round here: affirming diversity, challenging homophobia Harrison, Amy E. Primary Care of Lesbian and Gay Patients: Educating Ourselves and Our Students. Family Medicine 1996; 28 (1), pp 10-23. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Education Modules |
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