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

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.