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As of 2014, the United States Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides healthcare services for approximately one million gay and lesbian veterans. With the repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, there will be more gay and lesbian veterans. Hence, there will be an increase in the number of gay and lesbian seeking for medical care.〔 However, as noted by Sherman and her coauthors, there are many concerns regarding the healthcare needs of the gay and lesbian veterans, and many veterans do not feel that they have adequate and equitable healthcare services from the VHA.〔 The researchers assert that veterans who are missing quality healthcare are less likely to maintain good health and positive well-being in life 〔 ==Concerns from Gay and Lesbian Veterans== In their article, Sherman and her coauthors explain that in the past, most of the gay and lesbian veterans were uncomfortable in disclosing their sexual orientations or identities because they were afraid that this information could lead to their discharge from the military.〔 With the repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, gays and lesbians were assured that their sexual orientations would not be used against them. Nonetheless, many gay and lesbian veterans are still hesitant about full disclosure.〔 They are worried about confidentiality issues and that this information may jeopardize their future careers and prospects. For some veterans, because of their previous experience while serving in the military, they are apprehensive of disclosing their sexual identities and orientations.〔 Because of societal stereotypes and stigmas, they are concerned that it can instigate discrimination and social repercussions. Specifically, they are worried that they may be denied medical service, lose their benefits, or receive inferior services 〔 Recently, Sherman and her coauthors conducted a study on the communications between the gay and lesbian veterans with their VHA providers and the experiences regarding their healthcare services.〔 Most of them report that their healthcare providers have never specifically asked about their sexual orientation. They also claim that the healthcare providers are not receptive to their medical needs, and they do not receive the necessary support from VHA medical providers.〔 Many of them also express their dissatisfaction with their medical treatment. The results of their study show an inherent problem since some gay and lesbian veterans are disinclined to seek preventive care and even medical treatment from the VHA.〔 Their study also reveals that some gay and lesbian veterans are having trouble in finding adequate and equitable healthcare services, leading to a healthcare disparity 〔 According to statistics, lesbians often decline routine medical tests.〔 Likewise, gay men are not as likely to seek medical treatment when compared with heterosexual men. Hence, some medical conditions and disorders may not be intervened in a timely manner.〔 However, Sherman and her co-authors point out that the missing cultural relevant patient-centered communication can affect the quality of medical treatment.〔 Sexual orientation and identity can have implications for the physical and mental health of the patient. But, currently, many gay and lesbian veterans do not feel at ease and comfortable with their healthcare providers.〔 According to Sherman and her colleagues, since sexual identity and orientation is a contentious issue, many healthcare workers are not comfortable in approaching this topic.〔 But if the physicians initiate the conversation, it is more likely for the veterans to provide this information.〔 According to their data, if the gay and lesbian veterans can divulge information about their personal medical history, values, and preferences, they may experience higher levels of patient satisfaction.〔 It is also more likely for them to receive better medical treatments and appropriate diagnostic screenings for their unique health risks, such as for sexually transmitted diseases.〔 Since these tests are often instrumental in providing valuable information for the healthcare professionals to implement proactive measures, potential health concerns can be prevented and minimized, and the patients will have better outcomes.〔 Moreover, comprehensive medical records can provide a multitude of information useful not only for medical treatments but also for evaluations, such as the fitness of the veterans for duty 〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「LGBT healthcare in the United States military」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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