Highlights
- •Inadequate training and education are prominent barriers preventing the delivery of adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning patients.
- •Sexual health history begins with a candid discussion of sexual behaviors, desire, physical function, and overall satisfaction.
- •Providers must identify those at highest risk for HIV. Current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines are not sensitive or specific enough. The HIV Incidence Risk Index for Men Who Have Sex With Men is an evidence-based risk assessment tool with increased sensitivity.
- •An interprofessional, collaborative approach will best optimize the health and well-being of transgender transitioning patients. Therapy is managed by properly trained providers.
Abstract
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community is
a vulnerable populace that accounts for 4.5% of the United States population. Unfortunately,
this group of individuals faces discrimination. They need access to quality, prejudice-free
health care. This article initiates the discussion of how nurse practitioners, primary
care, and family practice providers can provide inclusive, unbiased, quality care
to this community that is evidence based. Information is provided about common barriers
preventing this population from receiving equitable care. Evidence-based methods are
outlined for screening this population for common health conditions, paying particular
attention to an established HIV risk assessment and its application in clinical settings
to identify candidates for pre-exposure prophylaxis. Finally, pharmacologic information
about preexposure prophylaxis and transgender hormone therapy is presented. The information
presented prepares nurse practitioners to begin caring for this population.
Keywords
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Biography
Adam Joseph Aisner, MSN, FNP-C is a family nurse practitioner in Los Angeles, California, and can be contacted at [email protected]
Biography
Michelle Zappas, DNP, FNP-BC is a clinical associate professor, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
Biography
Adrienne Marks, MSN, FNP-C is a clinical nurse II at Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, California.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 27, 2020
Footnotes
In compliance with national ethical guidelines, the authors report no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
