The Behavior Analysis, Strategy and Communications Team (BISC Partners) and the Democracy Lab (DemLab) jointly implemented a project aimed at increasing access to and awareness of gender-inclusive health services using behavioral science approaches.
The initiative was implemented with the support of the United Kingdom of Great Britain within the ongoing project of the Institute of War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) – Increasing Resilience in Eastern Europe.
The main objective of the initiative was to reduce the harmful effects of discrimination and gender stereotypes and increase access to gender-inclusive services by creating and piloting a behavior change model among medical practitioners.
At the initial stage of the project, BISC Partners conducted a behavioral insights study to identify the main psychological, structural or social barriers to discussing or discovering gender-sensitive topics in patient interactions – both among medical staff and community representatives.
Given the studied behavior and the context, interventions were developed that focus on the root causes of the problem and provide for overcoming barriers or encouraging motivators for the target behavior. According to the issues identified in the research, DemLab implemented an awareness raising campaign for target groups and interested audiences.
Within the framework of the initiative, on January 9-12, 2023, the doctors of the Curatio Clinic and Evex Network were trained on gender-inclusive medical services – “Rules of communication with LGBTQ+ patients”.
Behavioral science experts and public health experts participated in the development of the training module. Training was developed based on recognized foreign guidelines and protocols and adapted using behavioral science principles.
In the project, a service protocol (manual) was developed, which is intended for doctors, clinic administration and health care representatives.
On February 27, the project results were presented. Project organizers, doctors, LGBTQI+ community representatives and project supporters attended the event.
