LGBT Population Ignored By Medical Research

A report released this past Thursday has found that there is a lack of research and understanding of the LGBT population in the medical community.

The report finds that those in the medical field are largely uneducated on understanding sexual orientation development, gender identity, the impact of stigma, and discrimination on health.

At the end of the day, without properly understanding the LGBT community, doctors can not ask the proper questions which will better serve the patient.

Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institute of Health, the organization that commissioned the study, said:

“The report makes clear that we have enormous gaps in our understanding of the health issues confronting LGBT people. One critical issue is that we have not systematically or accurately collected data from research participants about sexual orientation or gender identity.”

The report suggests gathering data by including questions on existing surveys used by health departments to collect information about the general population.

However, considering political barriers, this is easier said then done as one medical professional commented:

“This document goes a long way in framing it from a very scientific perspective and it’s entirely now a matter of political will to get it done.”

The fact that the medical field does not have a proper understanding of the LGBT population is a real shame, but we’re glad there are people and organizations out there bent on changing this.

The National Institute of Health already plans on improving methodology for collecting survey date on sexual orientation and gender identity, while considering new ways the organization can support recommended research initiatives.

[Image via AP Images.]