Llewellyn_2017_SO disclosure BJGP - FINAL.pdf (575.09 kB)
Sexual orientation disclosure in healthcare: systematic review
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 07:09 authored by Hannah Brooks, Carrie LlewellynCarrie Llewellyn, Tom Nadarzynski, Fernando Castilho Castilho Pelloso, Felipe De Souza Guilherme, Alex Pollard, Christina J JonesBackground: Significant health disparities between sexual minority individuals (i.e. lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT)) and heterosexual individuals have been demonstrated. Aim: To understand the barriers and facilitators to sexual orientation (SO) disclosure experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) adults in healthcare settings. Design and setting: Mixed methods systematic review, including qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods papers following PRISMA guidelines. Method: Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and then underwent a qualitative synthesis. Studies were included if their participants were =18 years who either identified as LGBT, had a same-sex sexual relationship or were attracted to a member of the same-sex. Results: The review included 31 studies representing 2442 participants. Four overarching themes were identified as barriers or facilitators to SO disclosure, the moment of disclosure, the expected outcome of disclosure, the HCP, and the environment or setting of disclosure. The most prominent themes were the perceived relevance of SO to care, the communication skills and language used by HCPs and the fear of poor treatment or reaction to disclosure. Conclusion: The facilitators and barriers to SO disclosure by LGBT individuals are widespread but most were modifiable and could therefore be targeted to improve HCP awareness of their patient’s SO. HCPs should be aware of the broad range of factors that influence SO disclosure and the potential disadvantageous effects of non-disclosure on care. The environment in which patients are seen should be welcoming of different SOs as well as ensuring HCP communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, are accepting and inclusive.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
British Journal of General PracticeISSN
0960-1643Publisher
Royal College of General PractitionersExternal DOI
Issue
6888Volume
68Article number
e187-e196Department affiliated with
- Primary Care and Public Health Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2017-07-13First Open Access (FOA) Date
2019-01-30First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2017-07-12Usage metrics
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