The WHO considers equal access to healthcare to be a human right. In Poland, no data is available regarding accessibility of gynecological care for LGBTQIA persons. According to our pilot opinion polls among LGBTQIA persons on the subject of gynecological care, more than one in three respondents have experienced or could have experienced discrimination due to gender identity and/or psychosexual orientation. We have observed a need to verify that data and raise awareness among gynecologists regarding gynecological care that is non-heteronormative and non-cisnormative-friendly. The need for this is confirmed by studies conducted by P. Wonatowska and J. Skonieczna (2015) at the Medical University of Warsaw. These studies show that gynecological staff are in need of training on communication with patients (including people in the LGBTQIA community) and providing information about their sexual and reproductive health.
The aim of the project is to analyze the current situation with respect to gynecological care for LGBTQIA people, concerning access to and the quality of such care, and the level of gynecology specialists’ knowledge.
We will conduct two opinion polls. One will analyze further the current situation of LGBTQIA people and access to gynecological care, and views on the quality of those services. The poll will be conducted in social media groups for LGBTQIA people. The other poll will target gynecologists. This poll will be created jointly by people with gynecology qualifications and will be distributed online through gynecological associations’ channels and public lists of clinics.
We will create a map of gynecological service providers that are LGBTQIA friendly. We will prepare a webinar for medical personnel, training for medical students, and a report and brochure on best practices. 3000 people will take part in the polls, and 100 medical practitioners will apply the guidelines in their everyday practice.