title: Maintaining the privacy of a minor's sexual orientation and gender identity in the medical environment.
abstract: Dealing with self-identity, sexual orientation, and gender identity is often a struggle for minors. The potential negative outcomes minors face when their sexual orientation or gender identity is disclosed to others before they have an opportunity to address it in their own time has become more evident in the media. Because of the intimate nature of the provider-patient relationship, the healthcare provider may be the first person in whom they confide. If a minor receives a positive, nonjudgmental experience from his or her provider, it will often lead to a more positive self-image, whereas a negative, judgmental experience will often result in the opposite. Critical components of their experience are a sense of trust that the provider will keep the information confidential and the healthcare setting being organized in a manner that promotes privacy. Healthcare providers play a key role in developing and projecting a safe, comfortable environment where the minor can discretely discuss issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. Establishing this environment will usually facilitate a positive therapeutic relationship between the minor and the provider. Steps healthcare providers can take to achieve trust from minor patients and ensure confidentiality of sensitive information are understanding privacy laws, making privacy a priority, getting consent, training staff, and demonstrating privacy in the environment.
authors.forename: Josh
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hyatt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018907:Privacy; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics; D012725:Sexual Behavior