Family Planning Tasmania launches resources to address the Underscreening of LGBTQIA+ people with cervixes.
Family Planning Tasmania is shedding light on a vital health issue: the underscreening of LGBTQIA+ individuals and people with cervixes for cervical screening tests (CSTs). Recognising the unique barriers these communities face, thanks to a grant by Primary Health Tasmania, we have launched posters and videos aimed at showing options for trauma-informed care, to reduce barriers in accessing CSTs.
Our wonderful nursing team, who conduct CSTs, have been undergone LGBTQIA+ inclusivity training and in trauma informed care so they are aware of potential triggers and ways we can make the service safer for all people.
At of our clinics, we are actively offering trauma-informed services that prioritise patient comfort, autonomy, and emotional safety aimed at reducing barriers. Our campaign resources are geared towards showing LGBTQIA+ people the trauma-informed support they can access while at their appointments, using examples of how we can accommodate your needs, and are able to make other accommodations to make the patients feel safe.
Research** has shown that many within the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as individuals who’ve experienced trauma, may avoid essential medical procedures due to past negative experiences, fears, or misconceptions. Cervical screening, despite its life-saving potential, is no exception. As such, ensuring that these groups feel safe, understood, and empowered during their medical visits is paramount.
A Trauma-Informed Approach
At Family Planning Tasmania, trauma-informed service isn’t just a term—it’s a practice we are actively embedding in our culture. Whether for cervical screening, STI screening, or general GP appointments, this approach is available to all patients. Thanks to training from the Phoenix Centre, our team is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge, having completed comprehensive trauma awareness training. This not only ensures patients are treated with sensitivity and respect but also provides our staff with the tools to navigate these consultations with utmost care.
Self-Collection and Patient Autonomy
In partnership with ACON NSW, Family Planning Tasmania has developed resources aimed at raising awareness about the importance and nuances of CSTs. A key aspect of this campaign revolves around the flexibility and autonomy offered to patients during the screening process.
Understanding the deeply personal nature of such a procedure, Family Planning Tasmania offers various options to make the process more comfortable for the patient. For example:
- Presence of a Support Person: Patients can have someone they trust present during the procedure, ensuring emotional support throughout.
- Self-Insertion: Offering the option to insert the speculum themselves can give many patients a greater sense of control and autonomy during the examination.
- Self-Collection: For those who might find the traditional procedure challenging, FPT offers the option to self-collect the CST specimen. This can significantly reduce anxiety and ensure that more people access this critical health check.
Patients can also request additional or other supports to help make the experience safer and better for them. The videos and posters show some options available to patients, and we encourage you to use them far and wide, to help us spread the message of empowerment and inclusivity in cervical screening.
Cervical screening is vital. Family Planning Tasmania remains dedicated to ensuring that every individual, irrespective of their background or experiences, has access to these essential services in a way that respects their comfort and dignity.
For more details, feel free to ring our friendly reception team through our contact us page or to book an appointment, use the HotDoc buttons below.
Together, we’re making healthcare more inclusive and compassionate.
Cervical screening is vital. Family Planning Tasmania remains dedicated to ensuring that every individual, irrespective of their background or experiences, has access to these essential services in a way that respects their comfort and dignity.
For more information, visit the inclusive screening section on our website here >>. If you would like to chat to our friendly staff, feel free to ring our friendly reception team through our contact us page >>. To book an appointment, use the HotDoc buttons below.
Together, we’re making healthcare more inclusive and compassionate.
