Volume 6 • 2019 • Issue 8

28 | 2019 | Issue 8 I ssues and P eople Tips for Health Care Staff x� All staff should avoid making any assumptions about gender identity and sexual orientation, just as they should avoid assuming racial identity, age and other characteristics. x� Use the terms that people use to describe themselves and their partners. For example, if someone calls himself “gay,” do not use the term “homosexual.” If a woman refers to her “wife,” then say “your wife” when referring to her; do not say “your friend.” x� While taking a medical history, do not use words that assume people have an opposite sex partner or spouse, or that they have two opposite sex parents. For example, instead of: “Do you have a boyfriend or husband?” ask “Are you in a relationship?” Instead of: “What are you mother’s and father’s names?” ask “What are your parents’ names?” x� Obvious “don’ts” include the use of any disrespectful language, staring or expressing surprise at someone’s appearance, or gossiping about a patient’s appearance or behaviour. Pronouns and Preferred Names x� Do not guess someone’s gender identity based on the person’s name, or how that person looks or sounds. When addressing a patient for the first time, avoid using pronouns and other terms that indicate gender. For example, instead of asking, “How may I help you, sir?” you can simply ask “How may I help you?” You can also avoid using “Mr./Mrs./ Miss/Ms.” You can call someone by a first name, or by using the person’s first and last name together. x� Avoid gender terms and pronouns when talking to others about a patient. For example, rather than saying, “he is here for his appointment,” or “she needs a follow up appointment,” you can say, “The patient is here in the waiting room,” or “Dr. Reed’s 11:30 patient is here.” You can also use “they” instead of “she” or “he.” x� Document a patient’s preferred name, gender identity and pronouns on patient intake forms. Only use gender pronouns if you are certain of the patient’s gender identity and/or their preferred pronouns. Referring to the patient’s documentation allows all staff to see the patient’s preferences and to use them consistently. x� If unsure, ask. It is acceptable to politely ask patients privately what name and pronouns they prefer to use. For example, you can say, “I would like to be respectful. How would you like to be addressed?” or “What name and pronouns would you like me/us to use?” Once a patient has given this information, it is very important for staff to note it in the chart and use this name in all interactions. When Name and Gender on Records Don’t Match In settings that require insurance or use of third-party payers, LGBTQ patients, particularly those who are transgender, often have a name and gender on record that do not match their preferred name and gender. x� In a situation where patients’ names or gender do not match their insurance or medical records, you can ask, “Could your chart be under a different name?” or “What is the name on your insurance?” You can then cross-check identification by looking at date of birth and address. x� Never ask a person what their “real” name is. Source National LGBT Health Education Center. Providing Inclusive Services and Care for LGBT People, A Guide for Health Care Staff . Boston, Massachusetts. Available at: lgbthealtheducation.org/publication/ l earning-guide For more on creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ people, visit CDA Oasis oasisdiscussions.ca/ 2019/05/16/mr-mrs-ms-or