scholarly journals A rapid review of gender, sex, and sexual orientation documentation in electronic health records

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1774-1783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Lau ◽  
Marcy Antonio ◽  
Kelly Davison ◽  
Roz Queen ◽  
Aaron Devor
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Electronic Health Records ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Culturally Competent ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Gender Minorities ◽  
Literature Reviews ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Objective The lack of precise and inclusive gender, sex, and sexual orientation (GSSO) data in electronic health records (EHRs) is perpetuating inequities of sexual and gender minorities (SGM). We conducted a rapid review on how GSSO documentation in EHRs should be modernized to improve the health of SGM. Materials and Methods We searched MEDLINE from 2015 to 2020 with terms for gender, sex, sexual orientation, and electronic health/medical records. Only literature reviews, primary studies, and commentaries from peer-reviewed journals in English were included. Two researchers screened citations and reviewed articles with help from a third to reach consensus. Covidence, Excel, and Atlas-TI were used to track articles, extract data, and synthesize findings, respectively. Results Thirty-five articles were included. The 5 themes to modernize GSSO documentation in EHRs were (1) creating an inclusive, culturally competent environment with precise terminology and standardized data collection; (2) refining guidelines for identifying and matching SGM patients with their care needs; (3) improving patient-provider relationships by addressing patient rights and provider competencies; (4) recognizing techno-socio-organizational aspects when implementing GSSO in EHRs; and (5) addressing invisibility of SGM by expanding GSSO research. Conclusions The literature on GSSO documentation in EHRs is expanding. While this trend is encouraging, there are still knowledge gaps and practical challenges to enabling meaningful changes, such as organizational commitments to ensure affirming environments, and coordinated efforts to address technical, organizational, and social aspects of modernizing GSSO documentation. The adoption of an inclusive EHR to meet SGM needs is a journey that will evolve over time.

scholarly journals Planning and implementing sexual orientation and gender identity data collection in electronic health records

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Grasso ◽  
Michal J McDowell ◽  
Hilary Goldhammer ◽  
Alex S Keuroghlian
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Gender Identity ◽  
Electronic Health Records ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
And Gender

AbstractLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people experience significant health disparities across the life course and require health care that addresses their unique needs. Collecting information on the sexual orientation and gender identity (SO/GI) of patients and entering SO/GI data in electronic health records has been recommended by the Institute of Medicine, the Joint Commission, and the Health Resources and Services Administration as fundamental to improving access to and quality of care for LGBTQ people. Most healthcare organizations, however, have yet to implement a system to collect SO/GI data due to multiple barriers. This report addresses those concerns by presenting recommendations for planning and implementing high-quality SO/GI data collection in primary care and other health care practices based on current evidence and best practices developed by a federally qualified health center and leader in LGBTQ health care.

scholarly journals Culturally Competent Gender, Sex, and Sexual Orientation Information Practices and Electronic Health Records: Rapid Review

10.2196/25467 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e25467
Author(s):  
Kelly Davison ◽  
Roz Queen ◽  
Francis Lau ◽  
Marcy Antonio
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Health Inequities ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Information Practices ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
And Gender

Background Outdated gender, sex, and sexual orientation (GSSO) information practices in health care contribute to health inequities for sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). Governments, statistics agencies, and health care organizations are developing and implementing modernized practices that support health equity for SGMs. Extending our work, we conducted a rapid review of grey literature to explore information practices that support quality health care for SGMs. Objective The aim of this rapid review of grey literature was to elucidate modern GSSO information practices from leading agencies for adaptation, adoption, and application by health care providers and organizations seeking to modernize outdated GSSO information practices that contribute to health inequities among SGMs. Methods We searched MEDLINE and Google from 2015 to 2020 with terms related to gender, sex, sexual orientation, and electronic health/medical records for English-language grey literature resources including government and nongovernment organization publications, whitepapers, data standards, toolkits, health care organization and health quality practice and policy guides, conference proceedings, unpublished academic work, and statistical papers. Peer-reviewed journal articles were excluded, as were resources irrelevant to information practices. We also screened the reference sections of included articles for additional resources, and canvassed a working group of international topic experts for additional relevant resources. Duplicates were eliminated. ATLAS.ti was used to support analysis. Themes and codes were developed through an iterative process of writing and discussion with the research team. Results Twenty-six grey literature resources met the inclusion criteria. The overarching themes that emerged from the literature were the interrelated behaviors, attitudes, and policies that constitute SGM cultural competence as follows: shared language with unambiguous definitions of GSSO concepts; welcoming and inclusive care environments and affirming practices to reduce barriers to access; health care policy that supports competent health care; and adoption of modernized GSSO information practices and electronic health record design requirements that address invisibility in health data. Conclusions Health equity for SGMs requires systemic change. Binary representation of sex and gender in electronic health records (EHRs) obfuscates natural and cultural diversity and, in the context of health care, places SGM patients at risk of clinical harm because it leads to clinical assumptions. Agencies and agents in health care need to be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to cultivate modern attitudes, policies, and practices that enable health equity for SGMs. Adopting small but important changes in the language and terminology used in technical and social health care systems is essential for institutionalizing SGM competency. Modern GSSO information practices depend on and reinforce SGM competency in health care.

An Action Plan to Modernize Gender, Sex, and Sexual Orientation Information Practices in Canadian Electronic Health Record Systems

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Francis Lau
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Electronic Health Record ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Health Record ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Information Practices ◽  
Gender Minorities ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
And Gender ◽  
High Level

This brief report contains a summary version of the proposed action plan to modernize gender, sex, and sexual orientation (GSSO) information practices in Canadian electronic health record (EHR) systems. The plan was co-created by a research team with guidance from the Infoway Sex and Gender Working Group, organizations and communities involved with sexual and gender minorities (SGM), and those with lived and living experiences as SGM. The plan describes seven high level actions needed to improve the principles, approaches, policies, and processes of defining, collecting, organizing, sharing, and using GSSO information in EHRs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document