Personal Family-Centred Care for LGBTQ+ Individuals in Acute Hospital Settings: A Scoping Review.

AIM: To identify and synthesise existing evidence on family-centred care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and other diverse identities (LGBTQ+) people in acute hospital settings, including hospital-based palliative care, oncology, general in-patient and intensive care.

DESIGN

A scoping review guided by the JBI methodology.

METHODS

Nine databases and grey literature sources were searched. Inclusion criteria focused on LGBTQ+ adults and family-related care experiences in hospital-based acute settings. After screening, qualitative, quantitative, and narrative data were extracted. Thematic analysis synthesised findings, with quantitative data narratively integrated.

DATA SOURCES: Searches were conducted across nine databases and grey literature up to April 2025.

RESULTS

Five studies met inclusion criteria: three qualitative, one quantitative, and one reflective narrative. Four themes emerged: (1) invisibility and disclosure dilemmas, (2) exclusion of chosen families from visiting and decision-making, (3) barriers to inclusive communication and provider competence, and (4) enabling conditions for affirming care. Challenges occurred at interpersonal (e.g., provider assumptions, discomfort) and structural (e.g., lack of inclusive protocols, failure to recognise legal surrogates) levels. In the two studies reporting gender identity, transgender participants described heightened misrecognition and exclusion.

CONCLUSION

LGBTQ+ individuals and their chosen families face relational and structural barriers in acute hospital care. Inclusive interventions, protocols, and training are urgently needed to ensure affirming care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Acute and intensive care providers should promote inclusive family engagement by using patient-preferred terminology, recognising chosen families, and advocating for inclusive policies and staff training.

REPORTING METHOD: This scoping review adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered with the Open Science Framework: 10.17605/OSF.IO/FSU8D (23/02/2025).