Implementation determinants of LGBTQ+ inclusive practices in US health systems: a qualitative descriptive study of...

Despite efforts to implement lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and other sexual and gender diverse (LGBTQ+) inclusive practices to address health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, factors that facilitate the uptake of these practices remain underexplored. Informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), this study explores nurse leaders' perspectives across diverse US healthcare systems regarding the facilitators and barriers to implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive practices.

We used a qualitative descriptive design. Semistructured interviews guided by the CFIR framework were conducted from October to December 2023. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Diverse healthcare settings (eg, acute care hospitals and public health centres) across the USA.

We purposively recruited 21 nurse leaders, such as chief nursing officers or chief nurse executives, who oversee nursing strategy, staffing and quality across their organisations.

Consistent with prior frontline-focused studies, nurse leaders confirmed key inner setting and individuals facilitators (eg, LGBTQ+ specific training, electronic health record adaptation, visible executive engagement). Our findings add system-level detail from an executive perspective. Leaders identified actionable levers such as establishing LGBTQ+ clinical and social services, allocating protected time and budgets, and deploying dedicated implementation teams. We also identified a cross-cutting barrier: a reactive, crisis-driven organisational culture that hinders proactive inclusion efforts. Beyond the organisation, sociopolitical and legal climates shaped readiness and resourcing, with anti-LGBTQ+ laws influencing inclusion initiatives. Finally, nurse leaders highlighted the need for rigorous multilevel evaluation (eg, patient, staff, institution) and noted that common surveys inadequately capture LGBTQ+ inclusion, revealing measurement gaps that impede continuous improvement.

Implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive practices in healthcare is essential for optimal health outcomes and social justice. Understanding the context of implementation at multiple levels is crucial. Future research should focus on testing implementation strategies, developing inclusive healthcare surveys, and supporting the role of organisational culture and leadership in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity.