Educating health and social care practitioners on the experiences and needs of older LGBT+ adults: Findings from a systematic review

Aim(s): To report review findings into interventions used to educate the health and social care workforce on the experiences and needs of LGBT+ older adults.

Background: Research demonstrates that inequalities in outcomes on health and social well-being for LGBT+ older adults are perpetuated by the cumulative disadvantages from discrimination and social exclusion throughout the life course and a lack of culturally competent workforce.

Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed papers published before February 2020 was conducted in electronic databases. The search resulted in a screening of 2,509 papers with nine matching the inclusion criteria, which were rated using the MERSQI quality measure.

Results: Studies demonstrated some positive outcomes of interventions, especially an increase in knowledge, but less so in skills and attitudes.

Discussion: More robust designs such as randomized controlled trials, the use of standardized measures and a focus more on the longitudinal impact of educational interventions could improve the quality of study designs.

Conclusion(s): Diversification of intervention content and patient and public involvement in the design, delivery and evaluation of educational interventions could improve efforts and have a more sustained impact on LGBT+ ageing inequalities.

Implications for nursing management: Nurse managers have important roles in supporting staff education and ensuring LGBT+ inclusive practice.