ABSTRACT
AIM: To know the perspectives of nursing students in trans patients' care and their access to health services and how to improve the quality of care in trans patients, related to the barriers identified by nursing students. BACKGROUND: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and plus (LGBTQ+) find barriers related to the health care access, including stigma, discrimination and lack of education. In addition, to the transphobia reported in some health care providers. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was performed through 12 focus group interviews in nursing students. Data analysis was based on content analysis. RESULTS: 124 first-year nursing students participated. The qualitative analysis resulted in three major themes: (a) Exposing an invisible reality, (b) Interprofessional communication: a starting point to arise awareness and (c) Care with pride as a link between individuality and professionalism. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that both LGBTQ+ content and institutional resources are the cornerstone for nursing students and professionals' practice in order to develop and provide a well-informed and high-quality care delivery to these patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Policymakers, senior charge nurses and other managers should be aware of the structural-level changes identified and ongoing mentoring needed to guarantee trans patients' privacy and safety.
