A descriptive study of the experiences of lesbian, gay and transgender parents accessing health services for their children

Chapman, Rose, Wardrop, Joan, Freeman, Phoenix, Zappia, Tess, Watkins, Rochelle and Shields, Linda (2012) A descriptive study of the experiences of lesbian, gay and transgender parents accessing health services for their children. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21 7-8: 1128-1135.


Author Chapman, Rose
Wardrop, Joan
Freeman, Phoenix
Zappia, Tess
Watkins, Rochelle
Shields, Linda
Title A descriptive study of the experiences of lesbian, gay and transgender parents accessing health services for their children
Journal name Journal of Clinical Nursing  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank A)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2012-04
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03939.x
Volume number 21
Issue number 7-8
ISSN 0962-1067
1365-2702
Start page 1128
End page 1135
Total pages 8
Place of publication Oxford, U.K.
Publisher Wiley-Blackwell Publishing
Collection year 2013
Language eng
Formatted abstract Aim.  To explore the experiences of lesbian, gay and transgender families accessing health care for their children.

Background. Although lesbian, gay and transgender families are becoming more common, little is known about their health-seeking experiences. These families may be fearful about disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity to health professionals. As a result, lesbian, gay and transgender parents may not be receiving optimal care for their children.

Design. Descriptive qualitative study.

Method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 lesbian, gay and transgender parents in Australia.

Results. Three themes were generated from the data: 'managing health care experiences', 'attitudes' and 'transforming bureaucracies'. Negative experiences included encountering homophobia or transphobia and being required to educate health professionals. Positive experiences occurred when both parents were acknowledged as having an equal say in their child's health care.

Conclusion. Many health professionals lack the skill or knowledge to meet the needs of lesbian, gay and transgender families. Health services are required to ensure that all policies and procedures are inclusive of all family constellations and that staff receive relevant and up-to-date sensitivity training and create an environment that is respectful of all family groups.

Relevance to clinical practice. Adopting a philosophy of family centred care can enable health providers and health professionals to provide lesbian, gay and transgender families with inclusive non-discriminatory care.
Keyword Family centred care
Gay
Gay families
Homosexuality
Lesbian
Parents
Transgender
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ
Additional Notes Copyright date 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Official 2013 Collection
School of Medicine Publications
 
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