The Relationship Between "Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality" Designation and Hospitals' Patient Experience Scores

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY An increasing number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals openly acknowledge their identity; however, the fear of discrimination prevents many from seeking healthcare-an issue challenged by a lack of culturally competent LGBT healthcare providers. With more than 4% of American adults identifying as LGBT individuals, greater attention to their needs is imperative to improve care and access for this population. This study examined organizational and market factors associated with hospitals achieving the "Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality" (Healthcare Equality Index, HEI; HEI Leader) designation and reported patient experience scores. We found that system-affiliated hospitals have 4.16 greater odds and teaching hospitals have 2.86 greater odds of earning the HEI Leader designation compared to nonsystem and nonteaching hospitals, respectively. Governmental hospitals have 2.47 greater odds of achieving HEI Leader status, while for-profit hospitals have 86% lower odds of having HEI Leader status compared to not-for-profit hospitals. Hospitals located in a metropolitan area have 3.19 greater odds of being an HEI Leader. The percentage of minorities and per capita income in a county also demonstrated a positive association with being an HEI Leader, with odds ratios of 1.00 and 1.02, respectively, while lower education was associated with 4% lower odds of being an HEI Leader. The main finding of this study was that HEI Leader-designated hospitals reported significantly higher overall hospital rating patient experience scores (B = 1.785; p <= .001) as compared to non-HEI Leader hospitals. As such, participation in the HEI may be viewed as a motivation for hospitals attaining HEI Leader designation.