Supportive Care
NCPD Article

Creating LGBTQIA+-Inclusive Health Care as a Supportive Care Strategy

Gayle A. Kempinski

LGBTQIA+, health disparities, health inequities, culturally competent care
CJON 2024, 28(4), 342-349. DOI: 10.1188/24.CJON.342-349

LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and others) people are threatened by stigma and discrimination, and experience an abundance of health-related disparities, inequities, and significant obstacles when accessing high-quality health care. As a result, LGBTQIA+ individuals underutilize the healthcare system, highlighting the demand for culturally competent and sensitive healthcare teams. Nursing professionals have an integral role in transforming health care for LGBTQIA+ patients and must align their practice with their professional duty of delivering equitable, culturally competent, and sensitive care to the LGBTQIA+ community. This article outlines strategies on how oncology nurses can offer culturally competent and inclusive health care to LGBTQIA+ patients.

At a Glance

  • LGBTQIA+ people experience considerable health-related disparities and inequities, and face significant barriers to high-quality health care.
  • Creating culturally competent and inclusive clinical spaces for LGBTQIA+ patients is a key strategy to eliminating disparities and inequities and mitigating barriers to high-quality health care.
  • Cultural competency training will prepare oncology nurses to provide cancer care in safe, affirming, and welcoming environments.
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