Abstract
Background
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people experience health and wellness challenges additional to and separate from those of the wider population. Extant research has identified that LGBTI patients support education for healthcare providers to improve their access to appropriate care. Community pharmacists have a role in providing appropriate care to LGBTI patients.
Aims
This study explores the experiences of Australian community pharmacists in providing LGBTI healthcare.
Methods
Ten pharmacists were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide and the major themes were identified using Braun and Clark's thematic analysis.
Results
Analysis revealed a demand for professional education in several areas of LGBTI healthcare, especially gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy and safe communication with this group. Barriers to privacy and confidentiality were revealed, including time constraints, Covid-19 social distancing requirements, and the lack of appropriate consultation rooms. Further there is a need to engage LGBTI patients through greater inclusive advertising.
Conclusions
While there is some improvement, more must be done to promote inclusive pharmacy care for LGBTI people. This study demonstrates a demand from Australian pharmacists for increased professional education on LGBTI related healthcare.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people experience health and wellness challenges additional to and separate from those of the wider population. Extant research has identified that LGBTI patients support education for healthcare providers to improve their access to appropriate care. Community pharmacists have a role in providing appropriate care to LGBTI patients.
Aims
This study explores the experiences of Australian community pharmacists in providing LGBTI healthcare.
Methods
Ten pharmacists were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide and the major themes were identified using Braun and Clark's thematic analysis.
Results
Analysis revealed a demand for professional education in several areas of LGBTI healthcare, especially gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy and safe communication with this group. Barriers to privacy and confidentiality were revealed, including time constraints, Covid-19 social distancing requirements, and the lack of appropriate consultation rooms. Further there is a need to engage LGBTI patients through greater inclusive advertising.
Conclusions
While there is some improvement, more must be done to promote inclusive pharmacy care for LGBTI people. This study demonstrates a demand from Australian pharmacists for increased professional education on LGBTI related healthcare.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 100134 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-5 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue number | 100134 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2022 |