Communicating with LGBTQ+ persons at end of life: A case-based analysis of interdisciplinary palliative clinician perspectives Journal Article
| Authors: | Rosa, W. E.; McDarby, M.; Buller, H.; Ferrell, B. R. |
| Article Title: | Communicating with LGBTQ+ persons at end of life: A case-based analysis of interdisciplinary palliative clinician perspectives |
| Abstract: | Objective Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) persons with serious illness and their families often experience end-of-life (EOL) care disparities, such as homophobia and transphobia, disrespect and mistreatment, and exclusion of significant others or life partners. The aim of the study was to explore interdisciplinary clinicians' communication knowledge and priorities using a case of a gay man at EOL and his same-sex, cisgender spouse. Methods Interdisciplinary clinicians (n = 150) who participated in a national 3-day communication training program, rooted in Adult Learning Theory and supported by the National Cancer Institute, responded to open-ended questions about a composite case study emphasizing diversity challenges relevant to LGBTQ + communities in the EOL context. A thematic analysis of responses using an iterative, inductive approach was conducted until saturation was reached. Results Participants from nursing (48%), social work (35%) and chaplaincy (17%) responded to the survey. Five themes emerged: 1) provision of patient-centered care; 2) legal and ethical factors inform care and decision making; 3) considerations of same-sex spouse or couple context; 4) dynamics and role of family of origin; and 5) elements of inclusive clinical care. Conclusions LGBTQ + inclusive communication training is essential for all palliative clinicians to deliver culturally safe care. Our findings have implications for identifying unconscious bias, addressing discriminatory care, filling clinician knowledge gaps, and informing educational interventions to support LGBTQ + inclusion. Future research must focus on micro- and macro-level communication issues that shape the quality of palliative and EOL care for patients and chosen family members. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) |
| Keywords: | cancer communication chosen family end-of-life communication health lgbt lgbtq lgbtq+ palliative care person-centered care serious illness |
| Journal Title: | Psycho-Oncology |
| Volume: | 32 |
| Issue: | 12 |
| ISSN: | 1057-9249 |
| Publisher: | John Wiley & Sons |
| Date Published: | 2023-12-01 |
| Start Page: | 1895 |
| End Page: | 1904 |
| Language: | English |
| ACCESSION: | 2024-25371-001 |
| DOI: | 10.1002/pon.6237 |
| PROVIDER: | Ovid Technologies |
| PROVIDER: | psycinfo |
| PUBMED: | 37929880 |
| PMCID: | PMC10842027 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | References PS - First Posting -- Source: APA PsycInfo |
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