Gender and sexuality are essential topics in Canadian pharmacy. The pharmacy workforce in Canada is predominantly female, with women comprising 60-70% of pharmacists. Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals face bias and discrimination in many healthcare settings, including pharmacy. Providing gender-affirming care is essential in pharmacy practice, but a gap in pharmacy practice needs to be addressed to achieve equal treatment of TGD individuals. Women also experience gender disparities in their careers in the pharmacy profession. Incorporating sex, gender, and vulnerable populations in health research is also essential.
Gender-affirming care in pharmacy practice
Gender-affirming care is essential in pharmacy practice, especially for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. Here are some key points from the search results:
- Providing gender-affirming care is essential for accurate counseling and improving patient outcomes.
- Pharmacists are well-positioned to provide gender-affirming care due to their accessibility and medication expertise.
- TGD individuals face bias and discrimination in many healthcare settings, including pharmacy.
- Gender-affirming hormone therapy is an emerging area of clinical pharmacy, and pharmacists have a significant opportunity to contribute to patient care.
- Women comprise 60 to 70% of pharmacists in Canada, but they still experience gender disparities in their careers.
- To provide gender-affirming care, pharmacy professionals can:
- Learn about the unique healthcare needs and experiences of TGD individuals.
- Offer hormone therapy and counseling services.
- Use inclusive language and avoid making assumptions about patients’ gender identity or sexual orientation.
- Advocate for policies and practices that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in pharmacy.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in Pharmacy
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are crucial principles in pharmacy practice. Here are some key points from the search results:
- The UK’s General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is committed to delivering equality, improving diversity, and being inclusive in all aspects of its work. They have integrated EDI into their Vision 2030 and Strategic Plan.
- The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) also emphasizes the importance of EDI in pharmacy education and practice. They have implemented initiatives to increase diversity in the Pharm.D. applicant pipeline.
- Ongoing learning is essential for pharmacy professionals to support their EDI journey and address potential patient health inequities. Resources and training programs are available to help pharmacy professionals understand and navigate EDI challenges.
- In Canada, women comprise a significant percentage of pharmacists, but the profession has historically been male-dominated. Gender disparities still exist within the pharmacy profession.
- Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals face bias and discrimination in various healthcare settings, including pharmacy. Providing gender-affirming care is crucial to address the unique healthcare needs of TGD individuals.
Incorporating sex, gender, and vulnerable populations in health research
Integrating sex, gender, and vulnerable people in health research is crucial to ensure that healthcare interventions are effective and equitable for all individuals. Here are some key points:
- Gender norms, socialization, roles, differentials in power relations, and access to resources contribute to differences in vulnerabilities and susceptibilities to illness, health behaviors, access to and uptake of health services, treatment responses, and health outcomes.
- Gender analysis is used to systematically identify differentials between groups of women and men, whether related to sex or gender, in terms of risk factors, exposures, and manifestations of ill health, severity and frequency of diseases, health-seeking behaviors, access to care and experiences in health care settings, as well as outcomes and impact of ill-health.
- Incorporating sex, gender, and vulnerable populations (GVPs) in health research promotes equity and improves health outcomes.
- The conflation of sex and gender currently undermines research on gender and health in much of the epidemiologic and clinical literature.
Gender, sex, and sexual orientation (GSSO) health information standard and guidance
The Gender, Sex, and Sexual Orientation (GSSO) Health Information Standard and Guidance is an essential resource for healthcare professionals to ensure that GSSO information is collected and used accurately and inclusively. Here are some key points:
- The Ministry of Health in British Columbia has produced a GSSO Health Information Standard and Guidance to support inclusive and equitable healthcare practices.
- Outdated GSSO information practices in healthcare contribute to health inequities for sexual and gender minorities.
- The lack of precise and inclusive GSSO data in electronic health records (EHRs) perpetuates inequities of sexual and gender minorities.
- Efforts have been made to improve the definition, collection, and use of GSSO data in EHRs among health organizations.
- Modernizing GSSO data practices in digital health systems is an ongoing research and implementation priority.
- To incorporate GSSO health information standards and guidance into healthcare practice, healthcare professionals can:
- Familiarize themselves with the GSSO Health Information Standard and Guidance their local Ministry of Health produces.
- Use accurate and inclusive language when collecting and documenting GSSO information in patient records.
- Advocate for policies and practices that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare, including collecting and using GSSO data.
- Engage in ongoing learning and training to enhance understanding of GSSO issues and address potential health inequities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gender and sexuality play significant roles in Canadian pharmacy practice. Here are the key takeaways:
- Gender-affirming care is crucial in pharmacy practice, particularly for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. As medication experts, pharmacists are well-positioned to provide gender-affirming care and improve patient outcomes.
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are essential principles in pharmacy. Incorporating EDI in pharmacy practice promotes equal treatment, improves patient outcomes, and addresses health disparities.
- Incorporating sex, gender, and vulnerable populations in health research promotes equity and improves health outcomes. It helps identify differentials in health experiences and outcomes among diverse groups.
- The collection and use of accurate and inclusive Gender, Sex, and Sexual Orientation (GSSO) health information are essential in healthcare. Standardized guidance and practices ensure that GSSO data is collected and used appropriately, promoting equity and inclusivity.
- Women’s health is an integral part of gender-affirming care. Addressing women’s health needs within gender-affirming care is essential for providing comprehensive and inclusive healthcare.
