2SLGBTQ+ patients' experiences in the pharmacy in British Columbia, Canada.

BACKGROUND

Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities (2SLGBTQ+) experience worse health outcomes than cisgender heterosexual counterparts. This is attributable to structural oppression within the health care system, which manifests as health care providers' lack of knowledge and training in 2SLGBTQ+ health.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey targeted 2SLGBTQ+ community members 14 and older in British Columbia to understand aspects of pharmacy care in the province. The survey asked participants about their experiences with the pharmacy environment, the pharmacist, and the competencies they thought were most important for pharmacists to provide inclusive care. The survey was disseminated online and live from October 24 to December 18, 2022.

RESULTS

After eligibility and exclusions, 195 records were included and analyzed. Some (46.2%) participants found the pharmacy environment inclusive. Half (51.8%) felt their needs as 2SLGBTQ+ people were met by the pharmacist. The most important pharmacist competencies identified were respect, knowledge of 2SLGBTQ+ health, and inclusive language. Participants also shared examples of their pharmacy experiences in free-text comments.

DISCUSSION

Despite increasing focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion in health care, there is still a significant gap in pharmacy care related to pharmacist competency, yet there is little progress in systematically training pharmacists on 2SLGBTQ+ competencies. Implementing 2SLGBTQ+ content into pharmacy programs is one approach to ensuring pharmacists are well-prepared to serve 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

CONCLUSION

Findings highlighted 2SLGBTQ+ community-identified needs and served to inform curricular reform, professional development opportunities, and priorities of professional governing bodies as the pharmacy profession works towards more equitable health care for 2SLGBTQ+ communities. 2025;158:xx-xx.