Rogers presents on advancing gender-affirming care at Cerner Health Conference

12/13/22 03:40:pm

Jessica Headshot.jpg Rogers leaders recently attended the virtual Oracle Cerner Health Conference 2022, where they discussed how we are changing our technology, processes, and culture to advance patient care for gender minorities.

Sarah El-Ali, solution strategist for Medical Staff services, and Jessica Langill, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion coordinator, spoke about how:

The electronic health record (EHR) should be more inclusive
Clinical staff needs support to improve patient care
Culture shifts should also happen internally

Sarah Headshot.jpg Their presentation was well-attended, with over 300 attendees, and widely reported on in the media, including in an article in Becker’s Hospital Review called “Wisconsin behavioral health system uses EHR to advance gender-affirming care.” Since this media exposure, Sarah and Jessica have advised leaders in other healthcare organizations on their journeys to gender-affirming care, including Stony Brook Medicine, Children’s Health of Orange County, and Intermountain Healthcare.

“The changes in our technology to gain information from patients on their identities and then to make that information visible to our teammates who serve them directly serves our mission of life-saving treatment,” says Sue Dicks, vice president, Healthy Culture. “Research points to the impact of simply honoring and using pronouns and chosen name as life-saving.”

Jerry Halverson, MD, senior physician executive and a psychiatrist, agrees that patients do better when they are treated in a way that is comfortable to them.

“As trusted treatment providers, it is important for us to do whatever we can to help our patients feel more accepted and understood,” he explains. “Initiatives like this that give our employees the tools to better care for our patients are crucial to achieving the best outcomes.”

For more information on Sarah and Jessica’s presentation, click here.