An Exploration of Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity (SOGI) Data Collection and Use Among U.S. Healthcare Providers
Date of Award
Spring 2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)
Committee Chair
Alyncia Bowen
Committee Member
Gail Frankle
Committee Member
Lori Salgado
Abstract
Patient demographics, health status information, and health history are essential data points to deliver complete and appropriate care. Patient data also includes sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), which informs providers about a patient’s individual needs, improves quality of care, promotes health equity, and increases visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community. SOGI is an essential health topic and it is an influencer of health status; however, discussing SOGI has historically been unrecognized or worse, disregarded. This study investigated the influencers of U.S. healthcare providers’ collection and use of SOGI data and the recommendations to increase these behaviors, to address an existing research gap. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with experts in LGBTQ+ health, health policy, and health equity. A conceptual framework composed of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) Theory and the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) provided the research lens. A five-phase process was utilized for coding and data analysis. Four categorical and substantiated findings included data weaponization and data governance, the influence of organizational structuring, intersectionality of identities, and training and resources. The implications were both practical and theoretical. The four areas of practical implications were government and policy, organizations and programs, providers, and patients. The coalescence of the study design, conceptual framework, and data analysis process was innovative and contributed to the versatility of qualitative exploratory studies in healthcare.
Recommended Citation
Upton, Patricia M., "An Exploration of Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity (SOGI) Data Collection and Use Among U.S. Healthcare Providers" (2025). All Doctoral Student Dissertations. 208.
https://fuse.franklin.edu/docpub/208
