New study aims to improve awareness of the care and support that is available to LGBT people.
THINKING ABOUT the end of our lives is difficult for most of us. For many, the ideal is to be comfortable, supported and surrounded by loved ones, but this ideal may be harder to achieve for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* (LGBT) communities.
Many LGBT people feel uncomfortable talking to their healthcare providers about their sexuality or gender history, which can lead to greater isolation in the late stages of life.
This month a new study is being launched to examine the experiences of LGBT people as they approach the end of their lives. It is hoped that the study will help to improve the care that LGBT people receive when facing a life limiting illness (such as cancer, neurological conditions, heart, lung or liver disease).
People who identify as LGBT can experience discrimination from their healthcare providers, or may not feel confident to share their sexual identity, or gender history, with them. This can have a negative impact upon their experience of care, it may also mean that partners or chosen family are not involved in decision making, or may miss out on the support that they need.
While many research studies have explored the experiences of illness and care for different ethnic and cultural minority groups, the LGBT communities have received less attention.
This study, funded by Marie Curie and led by King’s College London, is looking to recruit people who identify as LGBT, and who are facing a life limiting illness.
Participation in the study will involve an in depth interview with a researcher to explore your experiences of care as someone who identifies as LGBT, and to find out how that care could be improved.
GMFA, the gay men’s health charity, is a partner in the study.
The findings from this study will be used to develop leaflets and online information resources for patients, partners, friends, chosen or biological families and community groups to improve awareness of the care and support that is available to them.
These will be distributed through media sources, in support centres nationwide, online and will also be used in the professional training of health care providers.
The study is recruiting nationwide. If you identify as LGBT and are facing a life limiting illness and would like to share your experiences, click here:
Or email:
Or telephone: 020 7848 5521
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