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On November 2, the SoR presented membership progress on the practical implementation of inclusive pregnancy checking at the OUTpatients fifth annual LGBTIQ+ Cancer Conference.
Sponsored by NHSE LGBT Team and Macmillan Cancer Support, the event brought together professionals and patients to share, celebrate, and improve equitable care for all.
The commitment and integrity displayed by speakers describing their research, goals, achievements and personal experiences over the past year was awe-inspiring, Lynda Johnson, professional officer of clinical imaging and radiation protection, said.
Advancements in cancer care
OUTpatients CEO and co-author of the SoR guidance Inclusive pregnancy status guidelines for ionising radiation: Diagnostic and therapeutic exposures Stewart O’Callaghan, updated delegates on the successes of the OUTpatients team.
This included speaking at the World Cancer Congress about the need for LGBTIQ+ inclusivity in cancer care, inclusive breast cancer screening support through their Best for my Chest campaign, breast cancer support group and Chest Check 101 with CoppaFeel.
Stewart O’Callaghan also explained the importance of LGBTIQ+ inclusion in early detection in cancer, a topic which received broader coverage through the OUTpatients cervical screening campaign ‘Remove the Doubt’, which won an award at the prestigious Patient Experience Network National Awards (PENNA).
'Challenges along the way'
Dr Michael Brady, national LGBT+ health advisor at NHS England, delivered an encouraging and motivating introduction to the conference, followed by Zoe Kabir who described the changes being made through diversity of thought across the board at Macmillan.
Ms Johnson said: “Three speakers in and the determination of healthcare professionals to make their services inclusive and accessible to all was evident. But there had clearly been challenges along the way.”
Sessions describing the complexities around intersectional needs, such as autism and cancer, were presented during a fireside session where personal experiences were laid bare.
“Healthcare professionals in the audience were carefully taking notes about how to make simple but practical changes to improve patient experience,” she added. “The role of healthcare leaders, educators and the media, in educating staff and the public about what inclusive healthcare means and, perhaps equally importantly doesn’t mean, has never been more crucial.”
'Leading the way with service improvements'
Research on blood markers for renal function, investigating the diagnostic testing barriers faced by transgender people, will be of interest to radiographers and SoR are keen to share this once complete.
Ms Johnson added: “It was wonderful to meet radiographers who are ambassadors for our own profession, leading the way with service improvements in breast screening and inclusive pregnancy checking.
“They showcased radiography at its best and represented the profession well at this important event. Colleagues who push the boundaries of patient centred care empower us all to challenge accepted norms and make life and healthcare better for people living with cancer.
“One word that was heard on multiple occasions during discussions at lunch and coffee breaks was ‘inspiring’. This sums up the event, the people and the work shared. The LGBTIQ+ Cancer Conference must be one of the most inspiring and influential events of the year for bringing together LGBTIQ people experiencing cancer and healthcare professionals involved in the research and delivery of cancer care.”
The SoR continues to strive to ensure patient centred care is at the forefront of radiography education, research, service design and service delivery.
It is currently reviewing Patient Public and Practitioner Partnerships within Imaging and Radiotherapy: Guiding Principles to include what has been learned since its publication about the experiences of patients using healthcare services.
(Image: OUTpatients' Remove the Doubt campaign)