Basic LGBTIQ+ Support (BLS): Providing adequate care for our LGBTIQ+ patients in primary care
Niklas JESKE, Pierre-Louis DEUDON, Stuart HOLMES and Philip OESER
Patients from the LGBTIQ+ community are at higher risk of experiencing loneliness, discrimination, mental health issues, and sexual health problems. These specific vulnerabilities increase their likelihood of developing various diseases and comorbidities, which deserve particular attention from family doctors. Furthermore, they may face violence and discrimination within healthcare settings. Family doctors can support these patients by improving access, providing non-judgmental healthcare, and enhancing the quality of care through the identification of specific risks and contexts.Support family doctors in developing a professional approach, enhancing their skills and confidence in treating LGBTIQ+ patients, guided by scientific evidence, clinical guidelines, a community approach and shared best practices.The workshop can be adapted to the number of participants and to participants’ level of knowledge and interests through adjustment of the number of groups and group sizes. 1) Introduction and agenda (5 min) 2) Interactive poll (using Mentimeter or similar) to visualize participants’ experience with LGBTIQ+ patients (5 min) 3) Short presentation: Vulnerabilities of patients from the LGBTIQ+ community (5 min) 4) Small-group work (30 min) discussing the following potential main themes: 4.1) The essentials: How to be a LGBTIQ+ friendly family practice 4.2) Gender-affirming care 4.3) Specific mental health issues affecting the LGBTIQ+ community 4.4) Sexually transmitted infections 5) Presentation of group work results and wrap-up (15 min)Enhancing participants' understanding of the vulnerabilities faced by LGBTIQ+ patients, while developing their skills to actively address common health issues and overcome potential barriers to healthcare access within this community.LGBTIQ+ patients face specific risks and have specific needs that can be challenging for us as family doctors. Based on scientific evidence, a community approach and best practice, this workshop aims to support family doctors and enhance their practical skills in providing comprehensive care for LGBTIQ+ patients.
