Role of emergency medicine in addressing the health needs of the LGBT+ community

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594102422013

• Palavras-chave: Emergency medicine, sexual and gender minorities, patients, LGBTQIA+

• Keywords: Emergency medicine, sexual and gender minorities, patients, LGBTQIA+

• Abstract:

  Discriminatory and unequal service to the LGBTQIA+ community has been an important subject of discussion, despite advances in awareness about sexual minorities. However, challenges still persist when dealing with this population in emergency rooms, compromising adequate care for their health needs. The objective of this study was to analyze the disparity in emergency care for sexual minorities, including delays in the first electrocardiogram for patients with chest pain, different use of invasive and non-invasive treatments, in-hospital care and other variables, and how this affects the diagnosis, care and prognosis of LGBTQIA+ patients. 

  Only articles from clinical trials, prevalence studies, cohort studies, case control and qualitative research were used, which addressed the descriptors researched in literature from the last 5 years (2019 to 2023). Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria adopted for the study, 10 articles were selected for analysis. The results reveal that structural issues negatively impact the health and well-being of these patients, especially in the emergency environment. Furthermore, the LGBTQIA+ community faces difficulties and fears when seeking medical help, leading many to avoid emergency services. This review study expands knowledge on the topic covered and shows the need to correctly train emergency room professionals to promote a practice environment that guarantees adequate care for LGBTQIA+ patients. It is necessary to improve social interactions between health professionals and LGBTQIA+ patients through educational interventions, in order to provide equal care and appropriate to their needs.