OptumHealth Education Launches LGBTQ+ Education Program for Providers
September 09 2021 - 10:00AM
Business Wire
Developed in partnership with OutCare Health,
the no-cost, on-demand accredited series and related resource guide
teaches health care professionals about the unique needs and health
disparities facing the LGBTQ+ community
OptumHealth Education, in partnership with OutCare Health, has
launched an accredited, no-cost, and publicly available education
program to teach health care professionals about the unique health
care needs and disparities experienced by the LGBTQ+ community. The
series is designed to promote a more equitable, affirming and
supportive health care environment for LGBTQ+ people through
increased provider education and understanding.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
LGBTQ+ people experience health disparities linked to social stigma
and discrimination1. Studies have found that an estimated 8% of
lesbian, gay and bisexual patients, and almost 27% of transgender
patients, have reported being denied health care services2.
The program is an on-demand, publicly available webcast on
OptumHealthEducation.com at no cost, and is eligible for continuing
education credits. The series identifies the negative effects that
implicit bias, stigma and discrimination can have on the mental and
physical health of those in the LGBTQ+ community; discusses the
appropriate pronouns and terminology to use in respectful
communication with members of the LGBTQ+ community; covers the
specific and unique health-related risks and disparities that are
experienced by the LGBTQ+ community; and identifies how to create a
health care environment in which members of the LGBTQ+ community
can feel validated, welcome and safe to discuss health issues.
Future modules starting in fall 2021 will offer more in-depth
provider-focused education around the unique health care needs of
specific populations within the LGBTQ+ community, such as caring
for transgender patients.
In conjunction with the education, Optum created PRIDE365+, a
website that provides resources to educate and support LGBTQ+
community members and allies in creating open, safe and respectful
working and living environments. PRIDE365+ includes a resource
guide, an LGBTQ+ terminology and pronoun guide, a transgender
support guide, and a “How to be an Ally” guide, along with
informational content from Optum partner Trans Lifeline, a
grassroots nonprofit 501(c)(3) offering emotional and financial
support to trans people in crisis.
“LGBTQ+ people face a number of unique challenges and barriers
when it comes to their health and well-being. Many of these
barriers are rooted in discrimination, stigma and a simple lack of
awareness and knowledge,” said Dr. Amy Nguyen Howell, Optum senior
national medical director, Office for Provider Advancement. “We
launched this educational series as part of our commitment to
advancing health equity and improving the health care experience
for everyone we serve.”
Caring for the LGBTQ+ Community: An Introduction, was developed
in partnership with OutCare Health, a national nonprofit 501(c)(3)
LGBTQ+ health equity organization, which offers directories of
providers and public resources, mentorship, webinars, blogs,
research and cultural competency trainings.
“We’re proud to launch this educational series with OptumHealth
Education and Optum, and to address these disparities head-on,”
said OutCare Health Founder and President Dr. Dustin Nowaskie.
“Working with one of the leading health care services companies in
the United States to design this training means we can reach more
providers and make a meaningful impact on the barriers LGBTQ+
people experience within the health care system.”
Caring for the LGBTQ+ Community: An Introduction, is offered by
OptumHealth Education, an organization dedicated to providing
interprofessional continuing education that improves patient
outcomes and positively affects the delivery of health care.
OptumHealth Education is jointly accredited by the Accreditation
Council for Continuing Medical Education, the Accreditation Council
for Pharmacy Education, and the American Nurses Credentialing
Center.
For more information or to sign up for the educational series,
please visit OptumHealthEducation.com.
About OptumHealth Education
OptumHealth Education is dedicated to providing
interprofessional continuing education that improves patient
outcomes and positively impacts the delivery of health care. It
works diligently to foster the professional development of engaged,
lifelong learners who seek to advance the skills, strategy and/or
performance relevant to their clinical practice and/or their role
within the health care team. For more information, visit
www.optumhealtheducation.com.
1
https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-health
2
https://www.lambdalegal.org/publications/when-health-care-isnt-caring
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Brad Lotterman Brad.Lotterman@optum.com 714-445-0453
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