Culturally Competent Clinical Care for Older Sexual Minority Adults: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Abstract

Study Objective: As recent efforts to improve culturally competent clinical care (CCCC) have largely overlooked older LGB adults, we conducted a scoping review of position statements, empirical, and non-empirical research and suggest action steps. Methods: We followed PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews Guidelines and searched for articles 1/1/11-3/14/19 (n = 1210) and other resources (n = 52), deduplicating, dually screening abstracts (n = 1,156), reviewing full-text (n = 107), and conducted a content analysis to identify distinct and cross-cutting domains (n = 44). Main Findings: Most research was based on simple pre/post-training differences in provider knowledge. A majority of sources were non-empirical. We identified three distinct domains (education & staffing, physical environment, and inclusive language & communication) and three cross-cutting domains (subgroup differences, research, and policy). Principal Conclusions: Sparse empirical data that specify best approaches to improve CCCC exist; nevertheless, providers, in collaboration with researchers and policy makers, can initiate improved practices aimed at increasing CCCC for older LGB patients.

Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Adults’ Experiences With Discrimination and Impacts on Expectations for Long-Term Care: Results of a Survey in the Southern United States

“…LTC agencies should review and update their non-discrimination policies to ensure equality and protections for LGBTQ+ patients, as well as conduct self-assessments and staff trainings (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al, 2014; HRC and SAGE, 2021, LGBT MAP and SAGE, 2010, NSCLC, 2011; Portz et al, 2014). Multiple online platforms, such as SAGE Care, exist to provide this training (Gendron et al, 2013; LGBT MAP and SAGE, 2010, NSCLC, 2011, SAGE, 2021; MacCarthy et al, 2021; Moone et al, 2016). Agencies can also compare their policies to the benchmarks outlined in the LTC Equality Index created by the HRC & SAGE (2021).…”