Experiences of lesbians in the health care environment

Openness about one's sexual orientation in the health care context contribu tes to lesbians satisfaction with care and to continued use of health servi ces. We undertook a qualitative study to examine lesbians experiences in th e health care environment and explain why openness about sexual orientation may be resisted by lesbians. Data were derived from four focus groups cond ucted with lesbians who discussed their expectations and preferences for th eir health care, as well as their met and unmet health care needs. Transcri pts of the focus groups were analyzed using NUD*IST qualitative software to derive salient themes presented by the women. Five major themes were ident ified: anxiety and concern related to self-disclosure, non-disclosure of se xual orientation, seeking out gay-positive physicians, frustration with ass umptions of heterosexuality, and treatment of lesbian partners. Examples fo r each of the major themes are provided. Data from this study suggest ways health care providers can alleviate concerns among lesbian patients. Our fi ndings also suggest the need for formal training on lesbian health and meth ods for making medical professionals more comfortable with diverse sexual o rientations.