Research has demonstrated that LGBT+ people experience social exclusion while interacting with health and social care providers and that their needs are often overlooked and undervalued. In some cases, they experience direct discrimination within health and social care environments.

While many countries have their own national laws on equality and LGBT+ rights, these may not always be monitored or respected. For example, a same-sex couple married in the UK may not be seen as a married couple in other parts of the world or even Europe.

Current health and social care curricula in educational institutions pay little or no attention to sexual or gender diversity. This can result in health and social care educators exacerbating problems and ignoring LGBT+ identities.

“Individuals mostly come into contact with health and care staff when they need help and may be vulnerable. This vulnerability could be compounded if people are concerned that they may be judged, discriminated against or not treated fairly.”

Led by Alfonso Pezzella this project builds on previous work carried out by the Intercultural Education of Nurses in Europe (IENE) and aims to enhance the skills of teachers and trainers regarding LGBT+ issues.  Commenting Alfonso said:

“Individuals mostly come into contact with health and care staff when they need help and may be vulnerable. This vulnerability could be compounded if individuals are concerned that they may be judged, discriminated against or not treated fairly.

“The vast majority of health and care staff want to do their best for their patients and clients. The teaching tools we are developing aim to help them do this and ensure that LGBT+ people receive the care they need in a culturally competent and compassionate manner without fear of discrimination.”

Continue reading this news at https://www.mdx.ac.uk/news/2019/11/lgbt-teaching-tools-health-social-care