Breaking down barriers: A strategic initiative to collect sexual orientation and gender identity information in the oncology patient population

128 Background: The LGBT community is a diverse population that crosses race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, and other factors. It is estimated that 8.8 million Americans are part of the community and the number is likely higher due to under reporting. The population is at increased risk for certain cancers, sexually transmitted infections, and is more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and suffer from obesity, and behavioral health issues. LGBT patients face barriers to accessing care due to being under-insured, fear of discrimination and lack of access to culturally competent health care providers. Our cancer center embraced the need to collect sexual orientation/gender identity (SOGI) data as a means to identify and address the comprehensive needs of our patients and set a goal to provide an inclusive, patient-centered environment through education of our teams to build a trusted patient-provider relationship. Methods: We implemented a history section in the EHR to assist with data collection including, preferred name, sexual orientation, gender identity, legal sex, and sex assigned at birth. A project team was developed in 2019 to improve utilization of the existing tool and provide education to increase the comfort level of our caregivers. Our target groups consist of advance practice providers, RN care coordinators, social workers and physicians. Educational sessions occurred through multiple modes and “champions” were identified within target groups to keep the momentum going. Results: There was initial hesitation in utilization due to lack of understanding of the impact on patient care and lack of confidence in communication. Training was modified to include communication techniques and the why collection of SOGI data is important. Conclusions: A monthly report was developed to determine utilization of the SOGI fields and as of May 2020 have increased from 1.5% utilization to 17.5% utilization. A survey has been deployed to education attendees to determine pre and post education comfort levels in addressing the SOGI needs of patients and early data is showing a marked improvement in the comfort level of caregivers.