This factsheet helps health service staff record the findings of their gender impact assessments (GIAs). It also helps them record potential actions they can take as a result of their GIA. It builds on the Commission’s GIA toolkit (GIA Step 3: Options Analysis), providing sector-specific examples.
Adapt and share these examples in training, toolkits or on your intranet. Staff can use them as a guide to ensure their GIA documentation includes the data reviewed, findings and potential actions to address gender inequality.
You can download a copy of this factsheet at the bottom of this page.
Documenting potential options for change
Clear examples of GIA documentation make the process easier, especially for staff who are new to it.
Good record-keeping also supports organisations’ reporting processes. It makes it easier to report on all GIAs completed every two years.
Below are two examples of the minimum documentation teams should provide when completing a GIA.
Each example includes:
- details on the types of data reviewed
- key findings
- proposed options for improving gender equality.
Recording actions, even if not all are done, helps future reviews and similar projects.
Example 1: Specialist eating disorder service
A health service is creating a special program for people with eating disorders. Under the Gender Equality Act 2020, the health service must complete a GIA as part of developing a business case. This is to ensure the service meets the needs of people of all genders.
Types of data reviewed
- Research on gender and eating disorders (eg. via Eating Disorders Victoria)
- Patient intake data from previous clinics, disaggregated by sex at birth (gender data not yet available)
- Consumer consultation (survey – including gender identity question)
- Review of promotional material for similar services
What they learn
- 1/3 of people seeking support are men
- Eating disorders present differently in men, women and gender diverse people
- Transgender people are more likely than cisgender people to experience eating disorders
- LGBTIQA+ people are more likely to experience eating disorders
- Promotional material mainly shows young women
- From consultations, 80% of women felt supported in treatment, compared to 40% of men
Potential actions
- Training for staff on gender and eating disorders
- Update promotional materials to reflect gender diversity
- Review the intake process and train staff to ask gender and sex questions correctly
- Focus groups for male patients
- Focus groups for LGBTIQA+ people
- Analyse all future patient feedback by gender
- Seek feedback on gendered experiences and barriers through evaluation processes
Note: Many actions may be identified during a GIA, but only a small number are included in the final recommendations.
Example 2: Collecting sex and gender data
A health service is updating its Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. This change helps meet the Department of Health’s new rules to record a patient’s sex at birth and their gender. Before making changes, the project team does a GIA to see how it may affect trans and gender diverse consumers.
Types of data reviewed
- Research on trans and gender diverse consumers' experience of healthcare
- Talk with the patient experience team about data on trans and gender diverse consumers' experiences
- Consultation with internal PRIDE network
- Consultation with internal gender and sexuality liaison clinician
- Focus group for trans and gender diverse consumers
- Consultation with community groups
What they learn
- Gender diverse consumers face negative attitudes and discrimination from health services. This leads to hesitance in seeking care
- Staff are unsure how to ask about gender identity respectfully
- Staff lack training to use the new EMR categories safely and confidently
Potential actions
- Include correct gender options in EMR
- Develop respectful communication tips for staff
- Display posters and signage communicating the change to consumers
- News article on intranet
- Article on external website, social media
- Prepare key messages for sharing in staff meetings
- Scheduled check-ins with reception staff regarding consumer feedback and/or resistance
Note: Many actions may be identified during a GIA, but only a small number are included in the final recommendations.
Download a copy of this factsheet:
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