Developing cultural competence in caring for LGBTQI+ patients
Intended for healthcare professionals
Evidence and practice    

Developing cultural competence in caring for LGBTQI+ patients

Matthew Grundy-Bowers Consultant nurse and senior lecturer, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, England
Max Read Clinical lead, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, England

Why you should read this article:
  • To recognise the definition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people, and what these terms mean

  • To understand the health inequalities that affect LGBTQI+ patients

  • To remain aware of areas where the nursing care of LGBTQI+ patients may require a personalised response such as sexual health, mental health and intellectual disabilities

Evidence demonstrates that subconscious and intentional discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people continues to exist in the UK healthcare system. Surveys have indicated significant health inequalities in LGBTQI+ populations, including high rates of mental health issues and suboptimal healthcare experiences. This article explores these issues and encourages nurses to reflect on their unique and privileged position to champion the rights of vulnerable people, as well as their role in improving the healthcare experience of LGBTQI+ patients in the future. It also discusses safety issues and special considerations for LGBTQI+ patients, including those related to sexual health, mental health and intellectual disabilities.

Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2019.e11390

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software

@DrGrundyBowers

Correspondence

matthew.grundybowers@nhs.net

Grundy-Bowers M, Read M (2019) Developing cultural competence in caring for LGBTQI+ patients. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2019.e11390

Published online: 17 June 2019

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