Unconscious bias among physicians results in low quality care for LGBT, disabled patients

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-10/aoa-uba100515.php

Public Release: 5-Oct-2015
Unconscious bias among physicians results in low quality care for LGBT, disabled patients
Invisible barrier may be responsible for poorer overall health among special patient populations
American Osteopathic Association

Physicians' unconscious attitudes toward special patient populations like disabled and LGBT patients may be partially responsible for poorer overall health observed in these communities, according to a Rowan University professor of family medicine.

Physicians' reluctance to discuss disabilities, sex, work and independence with disabled patients, who comprise nearly 20 percent of Americans, deprives patients of high quality care by leaving important health concerns unaddressed, said Joshua Coren, DO. Primary care providers frequently fail to discuss contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, emotional health and basic wellness concerns like diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol use with patients who have disabilities, Dr. Coren added.

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