Pharmacists' experiences providing care to 2SLGBTQ+ communities in British Columbia, Canada

Members of Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and those who identify with other terms related to sexual and gender diversity (2SLGBTQ+) communities face worse health outcomes and receive lower quality of care compared to the general population, attributable to lack of training in health care professionals, including pharmacists. Further understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ pharmacy care in British Columbia is needed for targeted approaches to improve care.

This cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey was conducted in British Columbia, targeting registered pharmacists and student pharmacists, asking participants to assess the inclusivity of their practice and their pharmacy, to rank the most important pharmacist competencies for providing inclusive care, and to comment on facilitators and barriers they experience in providing care to 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The survey was disseminated online from October 24 to December 18, 2022.

Four hundred ninety-five responses were included. Two-thirds of participants were comfortable interacting with 2SLGBTQ+ patients, and one-third said their pharmacy is a welcoming space for 2SLGBTQ+ patients. Facilitators for inclusive care included showing inclusivity through language and physical displays. A key barrier cited was the lack of training. The most important competencies identified were creating an inclusive space, using inclusive language, and providing culturally safe care.

Although participants report being comfortable caring for 2SLGBTQ+ communities, many do not have the skills to do so. This gap between the care pharmacists want to provide and the competencies they possess may be bridged by systematically integrating 2SLGBTQ+ competencies longitudinally throughout pharmacy school curricula.

This study highlighted gaps in inclusive care from the pharmacist's perspective. Findings may guide curricular change and continuing education opportunities, as well as inform strategic planning of pharmacy professional bodies as the pharmacy profession evolves to take a more active role in the dignified care of 2SLGBTQ+ communities.