Seeking open minded doctors - how women who identify as bisexual, queer or lesbian seek quality health care.
BACKGROUND
Bisexual, queer and lesbian women experience higher rates of discrimination, trauma and abuse and are at higher risk for adverse health outcomes than heterosexual women in the same populations. This research investigated the strategies these women use to maximise the quality of health care they receive.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews with 47 self identified bisexual, queer and lesbian women. Predominant themes were correlated with findings by other researchers.


RESULTS
These women sought skilled practitioners who responded positively or neutrally to their sexuality. Some did not disclose their sexuality even where it seemed relevant, or preferred finding an accepting practitioner to ensuring continuity of care. Additional strategies for obtaining quality care included: 'coming out', selecting practitioners carefully, and educating practitioners about sexuality.


CONCLUSIONS
Like those in other countries, Australian bisexual, queer, and lesbian women do not assume that health practitioners will accept their sexuality. They seek to avoid hostility by locating sympathetic practitioners. General practitioners can signal their willingness to provide quality services to these patients by relatively simple methods.
Mulligan
Ea
E
School of Law, Flinders University of South Australia, Australia. ea.mulligan@flinders.edu.au
Heath
Mary
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001727:Bisexuality; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011787:Quality of Health Care