Qualitative exploration of uterine cancer care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) patients in the UK: shifting from equality to equity.
BMJ Open
; 14(8): e084720, 2024 Aug 03.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39097318
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Patients identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) report significant disparities in cancer care and are disproportionally affected by a cancer diagnosis on a number of health-related indicators. This study aimed to explore uterine cancer (UC) care from the perspectives of LGBTQ+ patients and stakeholders, to identify this population's care needs, which have been underprioritised thus far. METHODS ANDANALYSIS:
Qualitative interview data were collected from three cohorts ofparticipants:
LGBTQ+ UC patients, partners of UC patients and stakeholders who provide advocacy and/or support within the UC care pathway, including healthcare professionals (HCPs). Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted and data were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis.RESULTS:
Fifteen participants (three patients, one partner, eight HCPs and three cancer support charity representatives) were recruited. Data analysis identified themes which represented participants' reflections on the relevance and opportunities for identity disclosure during the diagnostic pathway; feelings and implications of not fitting into the gynaecological cancer environment and, opportunities and challenges surrounding HCP education, and protocolled sexual and gender identity data collection.CONCLUSION:
UC patients who identify as LGBTQ+ have specific care needs and considerations, particularly related to transvaginal procedures and survivorship. Opportunities for disclosure of patients' LGBTQ+ identity during the UC care pathway are essential for these needs to be recognised. Despite this, there are conflicting agendas between HCPs and stakeholders on the best approach to integrate disclosure processes. The current findings highlight the need for public health agendas and clinical services to address the needs of LGBTQ+ UC patients.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Uterine Neoplasms
/
Qualitative Research
/
Sexual and Gender Minorities
Limits:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
BMJ Open
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Country of publication:
United kingdom