Session Description: Stigma and discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) community—whether intentional, unintentional, or due to implicit bias—can negatively affect the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ population. Moreover, many health care professionals (HCPs) do not routinely discuss gender identity or sexual orientation with their patients, despite the fact that this information is an essential part of their medical history. HCPs may lack the knowledge or language to discuss these topics comfortably with their patients and may not realize that disparities in health care for LGBTQ+ patients can stem from this lack of affirming communication, allowing mental health stressors and issues to remain unaddressed. This session will focus on the partnership between Optum Health Education and OutCare Health as it relates to educating HCPs about these issues in an effort to improve the health care experience for LGBTQ+ people.
Innovation: This session will focus on the partnership between Optum Health Education and OutCare Health, designed to explore how educational offerings for the health care team can help create an environment in which LGBTQ+ individuals can feel validated, safe, and welcome.
