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Description
The WHO considers equal access to healthcare to be a human right. In Poland, no data is available regarding accessibility of gynecological care for LGBTQIA persons. According to our pilot opinion polls among LGBTQIA persons on the subject of gynecological care, more than one in three respondents have experienced or could have experienced discrimination due to gender identity and/or psychosexual orientation. We have observed a need to verify that data and raise awareness among gynecologists regarding gynecological care that is non-heteronormative and non-cisnormative-friendly. The need for this is confirmed by studies conducted by P. Wonatowska and J. Skonieczna (2015) at the Medical University of Warsaw. These studies show that gynecological staff are in need of training on communication with patients (including people in the LGBTQIA community) and providing information about their sexual and reproductive health. The aim of the project is to analyze the current situation with respect to gynecological care for LGBTQIA people, concerning access to and the quality of such care, and the level of gynecology specialists'' knowledge. We will conduct two opinion polls. One will analyze further the current situation of LGBTQIA people and access to gynecological care, and views on the quality of those services. The poll will be conducted in social media groups for LGBTQIA people. The other poll will target gynecologists. This poll will be created jointly by people with gynecology qualifications and will be distributed online through gynecological associations'' channels and public lists of clinics. We will create a map of gynecological service providers that are LGBTQIA friendly. We will prepare a webinar for medical personnel, training for medical students, and a report and brochure on best practices. 3000 people will take part in the polls, and 100 medical practitioners will apply the guidelines in their everyday practice.
Summary of project results
The project responds to the problem of discrimination and exclusion of LGBTQIA people in access to healthcare in Poland. According to the WHO, equal access to health care is a human right. While there is a lack of data on the availability of gynaecological services for LGBTQIA people, the project promoter''s pilot study shows that more than a third of respondents have experienced or may have experienced discrimination based on gender identity and/or psychosexual orientation. Gynaecologists lack a sound knowledge of non-heteronormative and non-cisnormative friendly medical care, as well as the ability to communicate and transfer knowledge about LGBTQIA sexual and reproductive health (this is confirmed, for example, by P. Wonatowska and J. Skonieczna, 2015).
The project carried out two surveys - of the LGBTQIA community and of gynaecologists. Based on the results of the research, a report and a brochure were produced and distributed to gynaecologists and LGBTQIA people in the Malopolska region. Promotional and educational events on the needs of LGBTQIA people in the area of gynaecological care and the importance of allyship on the part of medical staff were also used to disseminate the findings of the report. Two training sessions were also held for medical students and gynaecologists.
The research provided a diagnosis of the situation of LGBTQIA people in accessing gynaecological care in Malopolska. The project succeeded in filling the information gap in the previously neglected field of LGBTQIA health. Tools were created to simultaneously educate different groups about the role of access to inclusive gynaecological care. The project primarily targeted gynaecologists and LGBTQIA people from Malopolska, but most of the products were also available to the wider community. It was also successful in initiating efforts to strengthen the community internally and to work with the medical community to broaden the alliance base.