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Nikita Desjardins

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Aug 3, 2024, 5:04:54 PM8/3/24

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A: Bush Bell, Administrator, Hospitality and Support Services, did an outstanding job co-chairing this committee. I admired his leadership as an ally, so was honored when approached to succeed him in this role. It was important to have one of the chairs come from the LGBTQ+ community. I recognize the work that UVA Medical Center has done to care for patients who identify as LGBTQ+, and I am energized by the opportunities for improvement through caring for our patients, visitors, and team members who identify as LGBTQ+.

A: The advisory committee makes recommendations to the greater Medical Center community for ways to be inclusive in the care we provide our LGBTQ+ patients, with a focus on the transgender population. We advocate for inclusivity and equitable access to health care for all LGBTQ+ patients.

We also focus on meeting the Healthcare Equality Index criteria biennially. The application window opened Monday, June 26, so members of the advisory committee are busy preparing for our institutional submission. UVA Health University Medical Center has repeatedly earned the highest score of 100 as have UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center and UVA Health Prince William Medical Center. Because of recurrent high scores, all three are considered Equality Leaders.

A: I see several challenges that patients face regarding accessing and receiving adequate health care. Individuals in the LGBTQ+ community face higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS. There can be inadequate insurance coverage for transgender patients and difficulties accessing reproductive health services. A lack of cultural competence on the part of the clinical team may result in misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, or a lack of appropriate preventative care. Facing discrimination and stigma can result in a reluctance to seek care or disclose sexual orientation or gender identity.

A: UVA Health leadership has been unequivocal in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, inclusive of patients, team members, students, and visitors. This is supported by our non-discrimination policies that identify protected classes, including sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression. As we continuously update policies and procedures, UVA Health has been intentional at looking through a lens of inclusivity to be more gender-neutral in language and ensure policies and procedures align with our Mission and Values.

A: I would like to see every clinic manager and every leader enroll their department in Safe Space Training, which is offered through a partnership between the Patient Experience Office and Dr. Catherine Casey. Safe Space Training is a one-hour interactive, in-person training opportunity that includes a discussion of LGBTQ+ terminology and allyship and clinical recommendations for best practices for team members and health care institutions.

A: That the work we do is purely collaborative and highly inspirational. We have made great strides, and there is still progress to be made. Many of the initiatives we undertake are born out of feedback from patients and team members, so please reach out to us at bi...@virginia.edu with your questions, suggestions, curiosity, and advocacy support to help UVA remain a leader in providing outstanding care to our LGBTQ+ patients.