Sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity data collection across electronic health record platforms: a national cross-sectional survey

Objectives: To assess the current state of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity (SSOGI) data collection options in US electronic health record (EHR) platforms.

Materials and methods: We utilized an anonymous survey distributed via purposive snowball sampling to assess EHR platforms across the United States.

Results: Of 90 surveys started, 41 (45.6%) were completed and used for data analysis. Respondents represented a geographically diverse sample of health care centers across the United States. EPIC was the most used EHR platform (70.7%) followed by Cerner (9.8%). Across reported platforms, a majority utilized structured fields to collect and document patient SSOGI data (n = 25, 61.0%). There was variability across platforms regarding SSOGI data elements collected. No platform collected all recommended SSOGI data elements.

Discussion: Significant variation exists across EHR platforms and across health care settings using the same EHR platform.

Conclusion: National standards need to be followed for SSOGI data collection in EHR platforms.