Free training application for healthcare professionals released
Vienna (OTS) – A new e-learning tool from the Ministry of Health is intended to increase awareness of the health of LGBTIQ* people and counteract discrimination. It is aimed at doctors, nurses and other health professionals. In a total of four modules you can further educate yourself about the sexual and gender diversity of LGBTIQ* people and deepen your existing knowledge. The free training application also raises awareness of inclusive communication in the care of patients. “Discrimination makes you sick. The needs and experiences of LGBTIQ* people must also be taken into account in healthcare,” emphasizes Health Minister Johannes Rauch. “With our tool we want to raise awareness and prevent discrimination.” ***
The LGBTIQ* Health Report (2022) shows that LGBTIQ* people continue to be disadvantaged in many areas of life due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. This has a direct impact on their health: Only 60 percent of those surveyed perceive their health to be good or very good (74% of the population overall). More than half of those surveyed had also already been affected by discrimination in the health system. Around a third find that their doctors are not well informed about their needs.
Using a new e-learning tool from the Ministry of Health, people who work in health professions now have the opportunity to receive further training and deepen their existing knowledge about health care for LGBTIQ* people. It was developed by Gesundheit Österreich GmbH and has now been published.
Greater awareness should prevent discrimination
The e-learning tool provides necessary knowledge about the health of LGBTIQ* people and increases awareness of their needs. It is intended to help ensure needs-based care and prevent discrimination in the future. The application consists of four modules that can be completed independently. Each module lasts around 10 minutes and contains medical expertise as well as real-life case studies.
The first two modules provide insights into the sexual and gender diversity and health status of LGBTIQ* people. Which social norms promote inequalities in the health system are discussed as well as experiences that LGBTIQ* people have experienced themselves. In addition, their needs are conveyed in a practical manner and factors are defined that should be taken into account in their care.
The third and fourth modules highlight barriers and discrimination that LGBTIQ* people are often confronted with in the healthcare system. Awareness is also raised about the realities of life for LGBTIQ* people. It is shown how inclusive communication is created in the care of patients – for example by using the correct pronouns or an inclusive design of rooms.
“LGBTIQ* people continue to face discrimination in many areas of life. Unfortunately, this also happens again and again in the healthcare system. This has a direct impact on their state of health,” emphasizes Health Minister Johannes Rauch. “With our tool, we are now taking an important step to improve their health care. Health professionals gain important insights into the reality of their patients’ lives and can deepen existing knowledge. We raise awareness “Where those affected believe there is a need for action, greater awareness in the system will help prevent discrimination from occurring in the first place.”
The free e-learning tool is available for anyone interested www.gesundheit.gv.at available.
Questions & Contact:
Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK)
press spokesman@sozialministerium.at
sozialministerium.at