Grant Application

J. Joy GeroPsyD, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Proposed Innovation

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and their families face challenges when accessing health care that can negatively impact the quality of care they receive. Some are even refused care due to their gender identity or expression.

The Humans Rights Campaign Foundation established the Healthcare Quality Index (HEI) to promote equitable and inclusive care for LGBTQ patients and their families. The HEI evaluates inclusive policies and practices related to LGBTQ patients, visitors, and employees. To date, only UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital have earned the HEI’s leadership designation. Through this project, all UPMC facilities will be provided the training needed to earn recognition as “Top Performers” and “Leaders” in LGBTQ health care.

Improvements in Action

Training material will be developed and distributed at workshops held at locations convenient to all UPMC facilities. Training will include discussions on how to:

  • Ask patients demographic questions about sexual orientation and gender identity
  • Document sexual orientation and gender identity accurately and respectfully, including use of transgender patients’ chosen name and pronouns
  • Handoff sensitive LGBTQ patient information
  • Handle patient identification errors
  • Select clinically relevant information applicable to all staff

Intended Outcomes

The overall goal is to increase the number of UPMC facilities applying for the HEI and earning “Top Performer” or “Leader” status. The project ultimately will provide UPMC facilities the opportunity to showcase their commitment to creating an inclusive and compassionate care environment for LGBTQ patients, visitors, and staff.