Resources for diverse patient care

Issue: BCMJ, vol. 63, No. 7, September 2021, Page 297 College Library
By: Chris Vriesema-Magnuson

Globally, there has been an increase in awareness of the need to acknowledge and respect the diversity of humankind. The same has been happening in the field of medicine, with the realization that not only does clinical care need to be tailored to the patient, but also how that care is delivered must be adapted. This need has been identified especially in the care of people of diverse genders and sexualities.

Optimal care for these patients can be influenced by many factors, including differences in cancer risks, respectful and appropriate acknowledgment of individuals’ gender and sexuality, differences in treatment for youth and adults, and clarification of what treatment can be provided in primary care.

The number of resources available to support the care of patients of diverse genders and sexualities is increasing, although finding resources relevant to your location and specific patient can still be tricky. Librarians at the College have created a curated list of guidelines, reviews, books, and book chapters to support physicians in BC in providing knowledgeable care for these patients (www.cpsbc.ca/files/pdf/Library-Sexual-and-Gender-Diversity-Resources.pdf). The content ranges from specific care guidelines to recommendations for office procedures, and contains information aimed at both primary care physicians and specialists.

Information about providing care in BC is also available from many health authorities. A notable example is Trans Care BC from the Provincial Health Care Authority (www.phsa.ca/transcarebc/health-professionals). The site offers information about the resources, guidelines, and procedures for the care of trans patients for both primary care physicians and specialists.

Looking to expand your knowledge beyond the resources suggested here? Request a literature search from the College Library at www.cpsbc.ca/registrants/library/make-request.
—Chris Vriesema-Magnuson, Librarian

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This article is the opinion of the Library of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC and has not been peer reviewed by the BCMJ Editorial Board.

Chris Vriesema-Magnuson. Resources for diverse patient care. BCMJ, Vol. 63, No. 7, September, 2021, Page(s) 297 - College Library.


Above is the information needed to cite this article in your paper or presentation. The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) recommends the following citation style, which is the now nearly universally accepted citation style for scientific papers:
Halpern SD, Ubel PA, Caplan AL, Marion DW, Palmer AM, Schiding JK, et al. Solid-organ transplantation in HIV-infected patients. N Engl J Med. 2002;347:284-7.

About the ICMJE and citation styles

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