Data Collection and Research

Collecting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) information is important for delivering patient-centered care to individuals and for ensuring that programs and processes meet the needs of sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. Within any hospital, clinic, or health care system, the electronic health record (EHR) may or may not include fields for recording SOGI demographic information. There are limited population-based data and large-scale research initiatives that include variables to identify lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. Consequently, the full scope of health disparities, individual health needs, and other issues faced by LGBTQ people have not been not adequately characterized on the population level. This chapter discusses the implications of inadequate data in health records and research and opportunities for improvement. Examples of satisfactory clinical data collection practices can be found in Chap. 3.