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. 2022 Jan 12;29(2):379-384.
doi: 10.1093/jamia/ocab183.

Toward an inclusive digital health system for sexual and gender minorities in Canada

Marcy Antonio  1 , Francis Lau  1 , Kelly Davison  1 , Aaron Devor  2 , Roz Queen  1 , Karen Courtney  1
Affiliations

Toward an inclusive digital health system for sexual and gender minorities in Canada

Marcy Antonio et al. J Am Med Inform Assoc. .

Abstract

Most digital health systems (DHS) are unable to capture gender, sex, and sexual orientation (GSSO) data beyond a single binary attribute with female and male options. This binary system discourages access to preventative screening and gender-affirming care for sexual and gender minority (SGM) people. We conducted this 1-year multi-method project and cocreated an action plan to modernize GSSO information practices in Canadian DHS. The proposed actions are to: (1) Envisage an equity- and SGM-oriented health system; (2) Engage communities and organizations to modernize GSSO information practices in DHS; (3) Establish an inclusive GSSO terminology; (4) Enable DHS to collect, use, exchange, and reuse standardized GSSO data; (5) Integrate GSSO data collection and use within organizations; (6) Educate staff to provide culturally competent care and inform patients on the need for GSSO data; and (7) Establish a central hub to coordinate efforts.

Keywords: Gender and sexual minorities; and sexual orientation; cultural competency; gender; health equity; health information systems; sex.

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Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Activities involved in developing an action plan to modernize gender, sex and sexual orientation (GSSO) information practices in Canadian digital health systems
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