Educating health and social care practitioners on the experiences and needs of older LGBT+ adults: Findings from a systematic review

Jurček, Anže and Downes, Carmel and Keogh, Brian and Urek, Mojca and Sheaf, Greg and Hafford-Letchfield, Trish and Buitenkamp, Charlotte and van der Vaart, Nina and Higgins, Agnes (2021) Educating health and social care practitioners on the experiences and needs of older LGBT+ adults: Findings from a systematic review. Journal of Nursing Management, 29 (1). pp. 43-57. (https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13145)

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Abstract

Aim(s): To report review findings into interventions used to educate the health and social care workforce on the experiences and needs of LGBT+ older adults. Background: Research demonstrates that inequalities in outcomes on health and social well-being for LGBT+ older adults are perpetuated by the cumulative disadvantages from discrimination and social exclusion throughout the life course and a lack of culturally competent workforce. Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed papers published before February 2020 was conducted in electronic databases. The search resulted in a screening of 2,509 papers with nine matching the inclusion criteria, which were rated using the MERSQI quality measure. Results: Studies demonstrated some positive outcomes of interventions, especially an increase in knowledge, but less so in skills and attitudes. Discussion: More robust designs such as randomized controlled trials, the use of standardized measures and a focus more on the longitudinal impact of educational interventions could improve the quality of study designs. Conclusion(s): Diversification of intervention content and patient and public involvement in the design, delivery and evaluation of educational interventions could improve efforts and have a more sustained impact on LGBT+ ageing inequalities. Implications for Nursing Management: Nurse managers have important roles in supporting staff education and ensuring LGBT+ inclusive practice.