Journal of Clinical and Translational Science (Apr 2024)

99 Using LGBTQ+ Community Expertise to Co-Develop Inclusive Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Screening for Research Studies

  • Jennifer Poger,
  • Jennifer Kraschnewski,
  • Raffy Luquis,
  • Paula Moodie,
  • Gelise Thomas,
  • Jess Abrams Schrodel,
  • Jennifer M. Poger,
  • Paula Moodie,
  • Gelise Thomas,
  • Raffy Luquis,
  • Jennifer L. Kraschnewski

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1017/cts.2024.97
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8
pp. 27 – 28

Abstract

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OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To promote diverse research engagement and address health disparities by creating an inclusive tool to collect sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data from potential participants #_msoanchor_1 METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The Penn State Community Health Equity & Engagement in Research (CHEER) team, part of our Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), developed inclusive screening guidance to collect SOGI data from potential research participants to fill an identified gap in the literature. Guidance was developed through an iterative feedback process, leveraging expertise from local, regional, and national organizations, healthcare systems, and leaders throughout Clinical & Translational Science Award hubs. By eliciting expert feedback, CHEER co-developed a comprehensive SOGI data collection form, filling an important gap of inclusivity in the consenting process. Training of this new tool was delivered to CHEER’s far-reaching listserv researchers (internal and external) and community partners. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Feedback collected from our LGBTQ+ expert partners resulted in a total of five inclusive SOGI screening questions; two ‘Gender Identity’ questions, one ‘Sexual Orientation’ question, and two ‘Sex’ questions, with “prefer not to answer” and “another option not listed” provided. The goal of this effort is to equip research teams with a tool that integrates SOGI characteristics that may be particularly important to determine study eligibility respective to a person’s identity or orientation. Additionally, collecting SOGI data in an inclusive way may increase trust worthiness in research from potential research participants, particularly among the LGBTQ+ community, who have been underrepresented yet experience several inequities and disparities across multiple health outcomes. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: CHEER’s goal is to reduce health disparities in underrepresented populations, including the LGBTQ+ community, by promoting inclusivity and engagement in research. Developing a community-driven screening that addresses the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community successfully bridges a gap in equity across all research participants.