Joint Commission releases LGBT field guide

[The Philosopher]

from LGBT Weekly

The Joint Commission has released a new field guide on LGBT patient-centered care. The guide, titled Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence, and Patient- and Family-Centered Care for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Community, urges U.S. hospitals to create a more welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for LGBT patients and their families. The Joint Commission is the nation’s largest accrediting organization for health care facilities, responsible for accrediting and certifying more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. The field guide is available for download at http://jointcommission.org/lgbt">jointcommission.org/lgbt.

The field guide features a compilation of strategies, practice examples, resources, and testimonials designed to help hospitals in their efforts to improve communication and provide more patient-centered care to their LGBT patients.

http://lgbtweekly.com/2011/11/17/joint-commission-releases-lgbt-field-guide/">Click Here To Read More

[county worker]

1. Someone would have to come out to be on that wall correct?

My sister-in-law served in Korea but she has never come out to the public. She lives in Fresno so she wouldn't be on that wall anyway but if that ever came about in her city I don't think she would be on that wall either.

[The Philosopher]

2. Not sure

But I'm sure if you talked to the ones running the wall they'd oblige, considering the experiences of an LGBT service member (well, any LGBTer) and secrecy. Of course, I doubt they'd want to out someone who doesn't want to be outed. But if she had passed on, I don't know why they wouldn't at least consider it.

[pinto]

3. This is a great move from a highly influential organization.

About The Joint Commission

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

Our Mission: To continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.

Vision Statement: All people always experience the safest, highest quality, best-value health care across all settings.

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(aside) My partner was hospitalized for ~ 3 weeks back in the 80's in a local hospital which, to my knowledge, had never had a long term inpatient experience with AIDS nor the involvement of a long term partner. We were fortunate. The staff from housekeeping, the kitchen, nursing and on up were great.

I shared the room each night, was included in all three meals and most importantly was recognized in the big picture and a part of the care team. Unexpected acknowledgment that I'm still grateful for today. I hope this reinforces that approach, especially in smaller health care venues.

:thumbsup: