A Systematic Review of Older LGBTQ+ Patients’ Experiences of Secondary Care Services
Abstract
Title: A Systematic Review of Older LGBTQ+ Patients’ Experiences of Secondary Care Services
Aim: This systematic review (SR) aims to synthesise the current evidence on the experiences of the older LGBTQ+ adult regarding secondary care, including acute care and outpatient services.
Background: The Scottish Government (2023) states the over 65 population is now approx. 4% more than it was in 2011 at over one million people. As the general population of over 65’s grow, the older LGBTQ+ population will also grow. This is a diverse group of people with some differing healthcare needs, some of which will be met through secondary care services. As demand grows, the need to discover how the older LGBTQ+ population experience secondary care needs to be explored to facilitate a better healthcare service for this patient group.
Methodology: A SR of qualitative literature was conducted, searching 10 databases. The identified literature was subject to quality appraisal using the CASP (2018) quality appraisal tool. Data was then extracted with the aid of a data extraction template and stored in the Covidence (2023) software package. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes within the research and each of the themes are presented and discussed within the review.
Results: The themes of Healthcare Practitioner (HCP) involvement, validation and respect for sexual orientation and gender identity, discrimination, age, and economic factors were identified. Each theme represents an area affecting the experience of the older LGBTQ+ adult engaging with secondary care services. The themes highlight that a supportive HCP and LGBTQ+ representation in secondary care settings leads to more positive healthcare outcomes. Conversely, discriminatory behaviours based on sexual orientation or transphobia as well as lower economic status have an overall negative effect on the older LGBTQ+ adult. This led to recommendations of education for HCP as well as the need for research into the more long-term needs of this older patient group.
Comments
Important topic. Was it…
Important topic. Was it possible to tell whether there were any trends over time (e.g. increases or decreases in discrimination)? Were the 12 studies relatively recent?
The studies ranged from…
The studies ranged from between 2012-2023 so fairly recent.
There didn’t appear to be much trends over time. Discrimination appeared to come in different forms to different LGBTQ+ people. For example, for gay men active in the 1960’s, the discrimination they faced within healthcare during the time appeared to affect how they approached healthcare today. I hope that answered your question.