LGBTQ+ Psychosocial Concerns in Nursing and Midwifery Education Programmes: Qualitative Findings from a Mixed-Methods Study

Brown, Michael; McCann, Edward; Donohue, Gr�inne; Hollins Martin, Caroline; McCormick, Freda

Abstract

LGBTQ+ people experience significant physical and psychosocial health issues and concerns, and encounter barriers when accessing healthcare services. We conducted a mixed-methods research study across all Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in the United Kingdom and Ireland using a survey and qualitative interviews. This was to identify the current content within nursing and midwifery pre-registration programmes in relation to LGBTQ+ health and to identity best practice and education innovation within these programmes. The survey was completed by 29 academics, with 12 selected to participate in a follow-up in-depth qualitative interview. Analysis of the data from the survey and interviews identified five themes: there is variable programme content; academics are developing their own programmes with no clear consistency; LGBTQ+ health is being linked to equality and diversity; there are barriers to education provision; and these is some evidence of best practice examples. The findings of the study support the need to develop and implement a curriculum for LGBTQ+ health in nursing and midwifery pre-registration programmes with learning aims and outcomes. Academics need support and tools to prepare and deliver LGBTQ+ health content to nurses and midwives as they ultimately have the potential to improve the experiences of LGBTQ+ people when accessing healthcare.

Citation

Brown, M., McCann, E., Donohue, G., Hollins Martin, C., & McCormick, F. (2021). LGBTQ+ Psychosocial Concerns in Nursing and Midwifery Education Programmes: Qualitative Findings from a Mixed-Methods Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21), Article 11366. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111366

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 25, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Oct 29, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021
• Deposit Date: Nov 2, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 2, 2021
• Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 21
• Article Number: 11366
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111366
• Keywords: LGBTQ; mental health; psychosocial; education; nursing; midwifery
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2818142