Sexual orientation monitoring standard

Evidence show that people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual experience poorer health outcomes around mental health, increased risk of self-harm and suicide, increased prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) including HIV, increased use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco with a higher likelihood of dependency; increased social isolation and vulnerability in old age. Feedback from patients suggests that many health care professionals may feel uncomfortable in understanding the impact of sexual orientation on care.

This session aims to build the confidence and skill in nurses around addresses patient sexual orientation as part of improving their care and reducing health inequalities.