111 Evaluating Patient Influences on Comfortability for LGBTQIA2+ Patients in Clinical Spaces (EPIC)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The objective of this project was to evaluate the factors that contribute to LGBTQIA2+ patient comfortability. This information was then used to understand how best to create a comfortable space for LGBTQIA2+ patients. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This survey was focused on underinsured and uninsured patients seen at the Rainbow Clinic - a free student-run LGBTQIA2+ clinic. Surveys were distributed by undergraduate volunteers on tablets as a qualtrics survey. Surveys collected demographic information in addition to 5 questions that assessed patient comfortability. These questions included evaluating the patient’s comfort with sharing information with the provider and the patient’s comfort of coming into clinical spaces. These surveys were distributed before and after clinic appointments to capture any changes in comfortability that could have occurred as a result of the appointment. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Up to May of 2023, 49 patients were seen in Rainbow Clinic. 33 patients filled out the intake survey and 31 patients filled out the check-out survey resulting in a 67% and 63% response rate respectively. Questions were asked on a likert scale (1-5) from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. Questions evaluating patient comfort in sharing information with their provider yielded an average score that was statistically significant, suggesting patients felt comfortable at the Rainbow Clinic. Additionally, patients indicated that the LGBTQIA2+ specific labeling of the Rainbow Clinic made them significantly more comfortable coming into the clinic. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This project suggests that patient comfortability can be improved by training and intentional LGBTQIA2+ labeling. Considering the hesitancy of this community towards healthcare, improving comfortability not only benefits clinical care and outcomes but can also bolster the body of research on this community.