Information for health professionals
This programme of work is being launched with the aim of providing gay and bisexual men with information which will enable them to have a better understanding of how the healthcare system works and why being gay or bisexual is important to their health care.
There is a relatively high uptake of primary care services among gay and bisexual men and most are satisfied with the service and care they receive. However research in the UK has demonstrated that almost 44% of gay men have not disclosed their sexuality to their doctor. Poor communication about sex and sexuality with doctors and other staff in general practice may have negative outcomes. This may result in unequal access to quality health care for gay and bisexual men as they may feel unable to share important lifestyle and sexual health information with their health providers.
These resources offer support and guidance to help you meet the needs of gay and bisexual men accessing primary health care services in your area.
Sigma research report
A major research report by Sigma Research is available. The study, which uses both quantitative data from the 2003 Gay Men's Sex Survey and qualitative data from in-depth interviews, explores gay and bisexual men's experiences of GPs and primary care.
The report is available from Sigma Research's website - www.sigmaresearch.org.uk - or you can download 'Consuming passions: findings from the United Kingdom Gay Men’s Sex Survey 2005' here.
Doctoring gay men
This Sector Summary Report (SSR), based on the study by Sigma Research, examines why some men disclose their sexuality to GPs while others do not, and suggests interventions to promote better services.
You can download Doctoring gay men here.
Other resources
To support this programme of work Terrence Higgins Trust has produced three documents to support health professionals concerned with the provision of quality healthcare for gay and bisexual men. These can be downloaded as PDFs here.
Guidelines for primary health care providers to enhance care to gay and bisexual men (PDF)
10 things to discuss with your gay and bisexual clients (PDF)
Sexual diversity: General practice and primary care audit (PDF)
