A Neurological Surgery Care Protocol for the LGBTQIA+ Community

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Health Equity
• Medical Protocols

Background:

• The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) community faces unique healthcare barriers and inequalities.
• Lack of tailored training for medical specialists impacts the quality of care for LGBTQIA+ individuals in neurosurgery.
• Growing awareness and legal protections have led to increased visibility and healthcare needs within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a neurological surgery care protocol specifically designed for the LGBTQIA+ community.
• To highlight the necessity of inclusive and sensitive neurosurgical care practices.
• To ensure fair medical treatment and improve patient experiences and clinical outcomes for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Main Methods:

• A literature review was conducted, including studies from scientific journals and articles.
• The review focused on identifying problems, best practices, and gaps in existing neurosurgical care protocols for LGBTQIA+ people.
• Analysis of challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in accessing neurosurgical care.

Main Results:

• Identified shared challenges including healthcare difficulties, communication barriers, discrimination, and stigmatization.
• Highlighted the need for specialized training and protocols in neurosurgery for LGBTQIA+ patients.
• Emphasized the importance of creating a safe and respectful care environment.

Conclusions:

• Inclusive and sensitive neurosurgical care is crucial for improving clinical outcomes and patient experiences for the LGBTQIA+ community.
• A tailored care protocol can help ensure dignified treatment and satisfactory recovery.
• Addressing healthcare disparities is essential for equitable neurosurgical care delivery.