LGBTIQA+ Patient Liaison Service—Seeking to Improve the Experience of Hospitalised LGBTIQA+ People

Rationale

People in LGBTIQA+ communities often have high unmet health care needs partially due to experiences of poor treatment and LGBTIQA+ identity-based discrimination in health care settings. LGBTIQA+ informed health care providers are essential to enhancing care. In 2021, The Royal Melbourne Hospital established an LGBTIQA+ Liaison Service. This service consisted of lived experience practitioners with allied health backgrounds; they supported patients and delivered education to staff.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility (demand, practicality and limited efficacy) of an LGBTIQA+ Liaison Service at a large tertiary hospital in Australia.

Methods

This prospective feasibility study was conducted at a large tertiary hospital in Victoria, Australia. Patient demographics (demand) and services provided (practicality) were documented. Self-rated staff understanding of LGBTIQA+ care in hospital was collected pre and post-education sessions (limited efficacy).

Results

In 2022, 63 referrals were made to the LGBTIQA+ Liaison Service from 44 patients (median age 27 [26–40 years]). Most were transgender and gender diverse people (n = 34, 54%) and one quarter were First Nations people (n = 16, 25%). The most common interventions were liaising with internal and external parties—including multidisciplinary teams—and providing peer support. Staff (n = 1226) who attended LGBTIQA+ education sessions reported statistical improvements in understanding the experience of LGBTIQA+ people, inclusive practice, available supports and referring to the Service.

Conclusion

Within a large tertiary hospital, there was demand for the LGBTIQA+ Liaison Service from both staff and patients, particularly transgender, gender diverse and First Nations peoples. The education and support delivered and provided in this setting improved clinician capability.