The Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare facilities' policies and practices related to the care of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) patients and their families. The HEI, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, assesses facilities' commitment to providing equitable and inclusive care to the LGBTQ+ community. Since its inception in 2007, the HEI has become a widely recognized standard for healthcare organizations seeking to improve their LGBTQ+-inclusive practices.
Established as a result of growing concerns about the disparities in healthcare experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals, the HEI focuses on four key areas: patient non-discrimination, patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement. By assessing these critical components, the HEI provides a framework for healthcare facilities to evaluate and enhance their care environment, ensuring that it is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all patients, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Key Points
- The Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) is a benchmarking tool for healthcare facilities to evaluate their LGBTQ+-inclusive policies and practices.
- The HEI assesses four key areas: patient non-discrimination, patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement.
- Healthcare facilities are evaluated based on their adherence to LGBTQ+-inclusive practices, such as providing transgender-inclusive healthcare services and respecting patients' chosen names and pronouns.
- The HEI scores facilities on a scale, with top performers recognized as "Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality."
- Participation in the HEI is voluntary, but it has become a widely recognized standard for healthcare organizations seeking to improve their LGBTQ+-inclusive practices.
HEI Evaluation Criteria
The HEI evaluation process involves a comprehensive assessment of healthcare facilities’ policies, practices, and patient care environment. Facilities are evaluated based on their adherence to LGBTQ+-inclusive practices, such as providing transgender-inclusive healthcare services, respecting patients’ chosen names and pronouns, and offering LGBTQ+-specific patient education materials. The evaluation criteria also include the availability of LGBTQ+-competent training for healthcare staff, the presence of LGBTQ+-inclusive visitation policies, and the facility’s engagement in community outreach and education efforts.
Scoring and Recognition
Healthcare facilities that participate in the HEI are scored on a scale, with top performers recognized as “Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality.” The scoring system assesses facilities’ performance in each of the four key areas, with a maximum score of 100. Facilities that achieve a score of 100 are recognized as leaders in LGBTQ healthcare equality, while those that score between 80 and 99 are recognized as “Top Performers.” Facilities that score below 80 are provided with feedback and guidance to improve their LGBTQ+-inclusive practices.
| HEI Scoring Categories | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality | 100 |
| Top Performer | 80-99 |
| Participant | Below 80 |
Impact and Implications
The HEI has significant implications for healthcare organizations, patients, and the broader LGBTQ+ community. By promoting LGBTQ+-inclusive practices, healthcare facilities can improve patient outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and reduce health disparities. The HEI also provides a framework for healthcare organizations to evaluate and enhance their care environment, ensuring that it is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all patients, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Future Directions
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the HEI will play a critical role in promoting LGBTQ+-inclusive practices and reducing health disparities. Future directions for the HEI include expanding its reach to more healthcare facilities, enhancing its evaluation criteria to address emerging issues, and providing additional resources and support to facilities seeking to improve their LGBTQ+-inclusive practices.
What is the purpose of the Healthcare Equality Index?
+The purpose of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) is to evaluate healthcare facilities’ policies and practices related to the care of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) patients and their families, and to promote LGBTQ+-inclusive practices in healthcare.
How are healthcare facilities evaluated in the HEI?
+Healthcare facilities are evaluated based on their adherence to LGBTQ+-inclusive practices, such as providing transgender-inclusive healthcare services, respecting patients’ chosen names and pronouns, and offering LGBTQ+-specific patient education materials.
What are the benefits of participating in the HEI?
+Participating in the HEI provides healthcare facilities with a comprehensive evaluation of their LGBTQ+-inclusive practices, identifies areas for improvement, and enhances their commitment to providing equitable and inclusive care to the LGBTQ+ community.
