Training Health Care Providers Caring for Seriously Ill LGBTQ+ Persons and Their Partners: Project Respect

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Medical Sociology
• LGBTQ+ Health Disparities

Background:

• Despite societal progress, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals experience increased discrimination in healthcare.
• This discrimination extends to palliative and serious illness care, highlighting a critical gap in equitable treatment.
• Backlash against LGBTQ+ rights has intensified, impacting healthcare access and quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document instances of disrespectful and discriminatory healthcare experienced by seriously ill LGBTQ+ patients and their partners.
• To identify specific provider behaviors that require targeted training to improve care competency and respect for this population.
• To inform the development of effective training programs addressing unique LGBTQ+ health needs.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional mixed-methods study utilizing online surveys.
• Recruitment of LGBTQ+ individuals with serious illnesses and their partners from national/local LGBTQ+ organizations and healthcare settings in the U.S.
• Inclusion of open-ended questions to capture detailed experiences of discriminatory care towards patients and partners based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Main Results:

• Seven key areas for provider training were identified, including provider discomfort, knowledge gaps on LGBTQ+ health concerns, and communication about relationships.
• Specific concerns involved inadequate attention to psychosocial needs and institutional responsibilities for training.
• The study highlighted the link between comprehensive training and the delivery of high-quality, equitable care.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare organizations must prioritize staff training and implement robust nondiscrimination policies.
• Ensuring equitable and compassionate care for all patients, irrespective of sexual orientation and gender identity, is paramount.
• Special attention is needed in conservative regions and for transgender patients and communities of color.