ACTIVITY 1

Situation:

A lesbian patient in her mid-twenties has her first appointment with a new gynecologist.
She fills out the intake chart as unmarried, sexually active, and not currently using a
contraceptive method – and makes no mention of her sexual orientation. After consulting the
chart, the physician launches in to a consultation on the wide variety of birth control methods
available.

Guide Questions:

1. What assumptions might the provider be making about this patient?

I believe that the gynecologist assumed that the patient has a male partner. For this
reason, the physician associated the patient’s sexual activeness with a man and thought that
the patient might be seeking advice regarding what contraceptive methods best suit his/her
situation.

2. Suppose the patient clarifies that she is in a stable relationship with a female partner.
Knowing this, what judgments might you make about this patient?

If the patient were to clarify that he/she is actually lesbian, as a gynecologist I would’ve
asked the patient what the purpose of the appointment is. Contrary to seeking advice on
contraceptives, the patient could actually be asking how he/she could become a parent. By
eliminating any prejudice, I gave avenue to the appropriate care delivery for my client.

3. What is the potential impact of the physician’s assumption regarding the patient’s sexual
orientation?

Because of the gynecologist’s assumption, his/her relationship with the client would be
compromised. The lesbian patient may be offended as he/she was stereotyped of being a
straight female. Also, the patient could become less participant in the care of the physician,
knowing that he/she has failed to acknowledge the patient’s sexual orientation which is lesbian.

4. What are some ways to make a medical facility more welcoming for LGBT patients?

First and foremost, nursing staff must alter their expectation concerning their patients.
With this, we must be open the uniqueness of every client and be apologetic if there were
mistakes made regarding a client’s gender. Second, the staff should improve their practical
thinking skills. Nurses must be open to negotiate to improve the health care experience of LGBT
patients. More often than not, most errors made concerning sexual orientation is through
communication. By choosing the right words, pronouns, and preferred names, it can help
facilitate a trusting relationship between caregiver and the client. In general, the staff should
avoid making any assumptions about gender identity and sexual orientation. At the end of the
day, what’s important is the nurse’s openness to the world of possibilities that they may
encounter and how they can address these uncertainties appropriately.