Abstract A030: Identifying LGBTQ+-related barriers and gaps in patient and workplace environments: An LGBTQ+ environmental needs assessment at Perlmutter Cancer Center

Abstract

Abstract Background: The LGBTQ+ community faces disproportionately higher cancer-related health disparities compared to the general population. Lack of access, knowledge, and cultural attitudes are known factors attributing to lower rates of receiving cancer-preventative services, as well as higher rates of later-stage cancer diagnoses. Many factors contribute to these disparities, including finding a trusted provider, poor visual representation at clinics, missing sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data, and negative patient experiences. To address these issues and to promote equitable care it is important to identify gaps and barriers that present in patient and healthcare staff environments. The LGBTQ+ Staff Task Force (STF) at NYU Langone Health Perlmutter Cancer Center (PCC) will utilize the Exploration, Planning, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework to address these inequities.    Methods: As part of the “Exploratory” phase, the STF will deploy an environmental needs assessment survey, to evaluate patient and employee areas. The assessment includes the following LGBTQ+ domains to evaluate the environments: Policy; Visualization and Safety; Knowledge and awareness education; Complaint and Feedback Reporting; Workplace Inclusions and Non-discrimination; Resources. The survey will be administered to all clinical and non-clinical departments of PCC and will be completed by STF members from their respective departments and by managers or supervisors from each department location. Surveys will be submitted electronically via REDCap Data will be analyzed by the research team and discussed in small focus groups.     Discussion: The LGBTQ+ Needs Assessment will be carried out across all PCC departments and locations within an 8-week period between May and July 2023. The findings from utilizing the EPIS framework will enable the identification of gaps and barriers to inclusive patient care and evaluate the efficacy of current processes and resources in place for LGBTQ+ patients and employees. Findings will inform strategies and planning to decrease identified factors impacting access to equitable healthcare.   Citation Format: Alexandr Trifonov, Rachel Monahan, Megan C. Haseltine, Kevin Moore, Gwendolyn P. Quinn, Rachel Nelson, Abraham Chachoua, Jason Domogauer. Identifying LGBTQ+-related barriers and gaps in patient and workplace environments: An LGBTQ+ environmental needs assessment at Perlmutter Cancer Center [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A030.