Homophobia in Nursing A critical interpretive synthesis

Editors: Rees, C.

Conference: Cardiff University, School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies

Abstract:

Nurses are dealing with unique human beings and their experiences of or responses to actual or potential life events and health problems. Sexual identity is one of the aspects that make a person whole and unique. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual (LGBT) persons are part of our world and live in our societies.

Therefore, the specific needs and concerns of LGBT people in relation to their health need to be addressed in nursing. Research suggests that homophobia affects health care and nursing and the health of LGBT persons. However, homophobia in nursing is a topic that is hardly discussed nor taken seriously as a professional issue. This dissertation is meant to examine the concept of homophobia in nursing from two different perspectives: experiences of LGBT persons in nursing and attitudes of nurses toward homosexuality and LGBT persons. The discussion should help nurses and other health care professionals to reflect on their own attitudes toward LGBT persons, to extend their knowledge and understanding of LGBT persons’ health issues and therefore improve the professional attempt to the care of LGBT persons.

The methodology that has been chosen for this comprehensive review of the literature is critical interpretive synthesis (CIS). CIS provides the overall framework or structure to create an in-depth interpretation of the available evidence that is generated from both qualitative and quantitative accounts. Homophobia in nursing is an existing, ongoing and often unrecognised aspect in nursing practice that needs to be challenged.

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Peter Wolfensberger