From advocacy to action
Improving LGBTQ+ health outcomes
Catherine Meads is Professor of Health at ARU, and a member of our LGBTQ+ Research Group.
Having conducted research into lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health since 1992, Catherine's recent work has focused on healthcare professionals' knowledge and awareness of LGBTQ+ healthcare issues.
Background and motivation
Professor Catherine Meads has been a passionate LGBTQ+ activist and researcher for nearly 30 years. Her journey began with a desire to improve the environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK and to fill the significant gaps in knowledge about their health. Over the years, she has witnessed gradual improvements and an increasing acceptance of LGBTQ+ health research within universities. Professor Meads' primary goal is to generate high-quality research that can influence government policy and improve the health outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community.
Research process
Professor Meads specialises in systematic reviews, a rigorous methodology that involves defining a specific research question and evaluating relevant studies to answer it. One of the key milestones in her career was the introduction of the UK Government's Equality at Work regulations in 2003, which provided her, and countless others, with job security when coming out at work. The Equalities Act (2010) further supported her work. However, she has faced significant challenges, including widespread ignorance about the importance of LGBTQ+ health research. Securing research grants has been particularly difficult due to a lack of understanding among peer reviewers.
"Most health professionals lack training in LGBTQ+ health [despite] high-level reports recommending such training. As a result, many health professionals are unprepared to address the needs of LGBTQ+ patients."
Findings and impact
One of Professor Meads' recent projects revealed that most health professionals still lack training in LGBTQ+ health. Despite high-level reports recommending such training, curriculum setters like the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) do not mandate it. As a result, many health professionals are unprepared to address the needs of LGBTQ+ patients, leading to low satisfaction rates among these patients. Professor Meads' findings highlight the urgent need for specific training in LGBTQ+ health for all health professionals to improve patient care and reduce health inequalities.
"Professor Meads aims to engage with curriculum setters to ensure that LGBTQ+ health is included as a mandated element in education for health professionals... ultimately reducing health disparities and improving overall health outcomes for the community."
Collaboration
Key collaborators support Professor Meads' work, including Dr Michael Brady, previously the LGBT Health Advisor for NHS England, and Dr Christopher Morrison, a Public Health Medicine Trainee in Aberdeen. Their collaboration has been instrumental in advancing research and advocating for better health education.
Future directions
Looking ahead, Professor Meads aims to engage with curriculum setters to ensure that LGBTQ+ health is included as a mandated element in education for health professionals. She envisions a future where health professionals are well-equipped to treat LGBTQ+ patients, ultimately reducing health disparities and improving overall health outcomes for the community.
