TY - JOUR T1 - Monitoring patients’ sexual orientation and gender identity: Can we ask? Should we ask? How do we ask? JF - BMJ Quality & Safety JO - BMJ Qual Saf DO - 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-015282 SP - bmjqs-2022-015282 AU - Kathryn Almack Y1 - 2022/11/03 UR - http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2022/11/03/bmjqs-2022-015282.abstract N2 - There is a growing body of research which evidences that lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT+) people experience significant health inequalities.1 We know that LGBT+ individuals may have encountered accumulative experiences of stigma and discrimination across their lives, which can have a negative impact on their health and can even have some bearing on their life expectancy.2 The fear of stigma and discrimination can also impact on LGBT+ people accessing timely healthcare. Furthermore, there are barriers in our healthcare systems that increase these health inequities.3–5Braybrook’s paper6 in this issue of BMJ Quality & Safety makes an important contribution to this work. It adds to a growing literature that addresses the experiences of LGBT+ people (and their significant others) at times of heightened need and vulnerability, facing serious illness and/or in need of palliative or end of life care (see, for example, references 7–11). Braybrook’s study, performed in the UK, sought to understand from multiple perspectives how to improve the way that sexual orientation, gender identity and gender history are discussed, addressed and documented in healthcare settings involving LGBT+ patients with serious illness. The study draws on the experiences and perspectives of LGBT+ people with serious illness (n=34), their significant others (n=13) and clinicians (n=27). They provide 10 practical recommendations to support clinicians and healthcare organisations to proactively address LGBT+ inclusive care as part of their routine practice. The recommendations are grounded in evidence from the study and are in line with the three main themes from its findings:Creating positive first impressions and building rapport.Enhancing care by actively exploring and explaining the relevance of sexual orientation and gender identity.Visible and consistent LGBT+ inclusiveness in care systems.This editorial looks more closely at Braybrook’s recommendations to develop and … ER -