This project investigates LGBTQ+ patients' experiences of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, and healthcare professionals' knowledge and awareness of LGBTQ+ healthcare issues, in order to improve the provision of health services for the LGBTQ+ community through improved training and educational opportunities.
Approximately 10-15% of NHS staff and patients are LGBTQ+, and most healthcare professionals say that they intend to give all patients excellent service, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.
However, many LGBTQ+ patients report homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic experiences when accessing healthcare. This project investigates why this is happening, and proposes solutions.
We found that NHS staff inadvertently discriminate against LGBTQ+ patients, do not understand why they should be treated differently to cisgender and heterosexual patients, and lack confidence when treating them. This is because they are not trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare issues.
This is compounded when staff are simply unaware that a patient is LGBTQ+. LGBTQ+ patients are less likely to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity if they have had bad experiences when they have done so in the past, creating a vicious circle.
These findings demonstrate that all healthcare professionals require training and education in why an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity matters in terms of their health and healthcare, and how these might affect what they need from healthcare services.
It is important to avoid making assumptions, and to consider any additional support and diagnostics that may be required when caring for an LGBTQ+ patient.
In a report by Prof Catherine Meads and Dr Christopher Morrison to Dr Michael Brady, National Advisor on LGBT Health at NHS England (October 2022), we proposed that:
Meads, C. and Morrison, C. (2023) Enhancing care: teaching clinical professions about LGBTQ+ health. Report to Dr Michael Brady, NHS England. (PDF)
Associate Professor
