Assessing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Home Health Care: Perceptions and Attitudes of Nurses

Interactions Between Health Professionals and Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Patients in Healthcare Settings: A Systematic Review

“…Terminology was often highlighted as a specific issue (Rutherford et al, 2012;Stover et al, 2014). Some HPs expressed frustration in their inability to answer questions and their desire to promote positive interactions with the LGB community (Bjarnadottir et al, 2019;Harbin et al, 2012;Knight et al, 2014;McCann & Sharek, 2014;Pellegrini et al, 2015). Conversely, others stated that providing training would insinuate that LGB patients are "different" and therefore could encourage negative attitudes (Bjarnadottir et al, 2019;Harbin et al, 2012;Pellegrini et al, 2015).…”

“…. any play in it [healthcare]," "It's not something I have to get into" (Bjarnadottir et al, 2019;Haider et al, 2017;Harbin et al, 2012). Some HPs admitted that they avoided asking questions about sexual orientation '"We've got a question on sexuality on our admission forms, and they've never been completed" (Neville et al, 2015).…”

“…One HP said it was "none of my business" to know about sexual orientation (Haider et al, 2017). Some nurses also shared concern that if they asked or amended care plans due to sexual orientation then the care they gave would not be equal (Bjarnadottir et al, 2019).…”

“…Often when HPs are feeling discomfort the patient may perceive judgment which also indicates the harmful nature of an interaction where either party feels uncomfortable (Harbin et al, 2012). This "judgment" can ruin the therapeutic relationship and hinder communication between patient and HP (Bjarnadottir et al, 2019;Harbin et al, 2012;Sefolosha et al, 2019).…”

“…The research sometimes concluded that HPs were judging unconsciously by suggesting LGB sexual orientation was a "phase" and that they would eventually grow out of it (Harbin et al, 2012;Stover et al, 2014). Other studies suggested that HPs may have negative attitudes but they should not let this affect their care "can't let our personal ideas about it colour the way we treat our patients," "not to be judgemental" (Bjarnadottir et al, 2019;Sefolosha et al, 2019).…”