Guidelines for Care of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Patients

This pamphlet discusses how health care providers can promote the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) patients by creating a welcoming clinical environment for all patients. This entails examining their practices, offices, policies, and staff training for ways to improve the environment and treatment of LGBTI patients. The pamphlet also suggests that health care providers encourage openness in patient provider discussions, use gender neutral language, and discuss sexual health issues openly using nonjudgmental questions about sexual practices and behaviors. It lists specific issues that should be discussed with LGBTI patients including safer sex techniques for men who have sex with men (MSM) or women who have sex with women (WSW). The health care provider is advised to conduct depression/mental health screening and to be aware of resources for LGBTI individuals in the local community in order to refer patients to LGBTI-sensitive and appropriate services. Sample questions for LGBTI-sensitive intake forms are included. The pamphlet also includes additional considerations for clinicians caring for MSM and a guide to sexual risk assessment in routine visits for MSM.