Stigma and discrimination have long been recognised as barriers to accessing health services, engaging in healthcare and adhering to treatment. These in turn affect patients’ physical and mental health, quality of life, and personal and social relationships, resulting in poor health outcomes on a number of levels. It doesn’t have to be this way! Meet some people affected by stigma in the healthcare system, and learn what you can do to adopt an anti-discriminatory approach in your practice to positively impact the lives of your patients.

Research done by the Centre for Social Research in Health shows that while most healthcare workers privately hold a positive attitude towards people affected by blood borne viruses and people who inject drugs, along with trans, gender diverse people, and other members of the LGBTQ community, they regularly believe that others in their profession do not. Often they feel internal pressure to adopt stigmatising behaviours that they (incorrectly) believe are inherent in their peers. It's crucial to be aware of this, and call out stigma and discrimination wherever it appears in the healthcare system. Learn more about this research from leading experts in their profession below.