The Core Curriculum for Medical Surgical Nursing (6th Edition) has been updated with several new chapters, including Chapter 23, “LGBTQIA+ Patients.” Authored by Oswaldo A. Luciano, MSN, MS, MEDSURG-BC, NCSN, NPD-BC, RN, the chapter explains the sexuality and gender terminology used by and for LGBTQIA+ patients and the health and healthcare disparities these patients face.

The chapter also details how nurses and other healthcare providers can create an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ patients and interventions that have proven effective in bettering patient health.

According to Luciano, “Education on LGBTQIA+ health is essential for nurses to deliver competent and inclusive care, reduce health disparities, and create healthcare environments that respect and affirm the diverse identities within the LGBTQIA+ community. Here are several ways in which such education can contribute to the improvement of nursing care:

• Cultural Competence. LGBTQIA+ individuals often face unique health disparities and have specific healthcare needs. Education helps nurses develop cultural competence, enabling them to understand and respect the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities within the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Reducing Health Disparities. LGBTQIA+ individuals may encounter higher rates of certain health issues, such as mental health concerns, sexually transmitted infections, and substance abuse. Education equips nurses with the knowledge to address these disparities and work toward providing equitable care.
• Creating Inclusive Healthcare Environments. Learning about LGBTQIA+ health fosters an inclusive and affirming healthcare environment. Nurses who are knowledgeable about LGBTQIA+ issues can help create spaces where patients feel comfortable disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity, leading to more accurate assessments and improved patient-provider communication.
• Preventing Discrimination and Stigma. Education helps nurses recognize and combat discrimination and stigma that LGBTQIA+ individuals may face within the healthcare system. This includes addressing unconscious biases and promoting non-judgmental and respectful care.
• Effective Communication. Understanding the unique healthcare needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals allows nurses to communicate effectively and sensitively. This is particularly important when discussing topics related to sexual health, mental health, and gender identity.
• Providing Inclusive Sexual Health Education. Education on LGBTQIA+ health enables nurses to offer inclusive sexual health education, ensuring that information and resources are relevant and accessible to all patients, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations. Education helps nurses stay informed about the legal and ethical considerations surrounding LGBTQIA+ healthcare. This includes understanding the rights of LGBTQIA+ patients, such as nondiscrimination policies and the right to access gender-affirming care.
• Supporting Gender-Affirming Care. Education prepares nurses to provide gender-affirming care for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. This includes understanding the importance of using correct pronouns, respecting chosen names, and addressing gender dysphoria.
• Collaboration With LGBTQIA+ Community Organizations. Nurses with knowledge of LGBTQIA+ health can collaborate with community organizations to enhance support systems for patients. This collaboration can lead to improved healthcare outcomes and better access to resources.”

The chapter concludes with best practices for caring for LGBTQIA+ patients, which include listening to the patient and showing them respect. “This is the most comprehensive text available for quick reference in the care of everyone that we, as nurses, care for,” Luciano says.

Citation: Luciano, O.A. (2023). LGBTQ+ patients. In W.G. Woodall (Ed.); H. Craven & J. Kennedy (Assoc. Eds.), Core curriculum for medical-surgical nursing (6th ed.) (pp. 549-556). Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses.

For more information and to purchase the Core Curriculum for Medical Surgical Nursing (6th Edition), visit the AMSN website.