The views and experiences of LGBTQ+ people regarding midwifery care: A systematic review of the international evidence

McCann, E. ORCID: 0000-0003-3548-4204, Brown, M., Hollins-Martin, C. , Murray, K. & McCormick, F. (2021). The views and experiences of LGBTQ+ people regarding midwifery care: A systematic review of the international evidence. Midwifery, 103, 103102. doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2021.103102

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There has been growing attention to addressing the health inequalities and concerns of LGBTQ+ people, with research evidence highlighting areas requiring further attention and development. The distinct concerns of LGBTQ+ people when accessing midwifery care and support is an issue requiring a specific focus to ensure needs are met effectively.

AIM: The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise and synthesise the best available evidence regarding the views and experiences of LGBTQ+ people in relation to midwifery care and supports.

METHOD: A systematic review was undertaken to identify all relevant studies meeting the inclusion criteria. A total of eleven papers were included in the review, utilising the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) method. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool (MMAT).

FINDINGS: Following data analysis, the themes that emerged were: (i) Contemplating pregnancy and ante-natal experiences, (ii) pregnancy and labour issues and concerns, and (iii) post-natal ongoing care and supports.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It has become apparent from this systematic review that LGBTQ+ individuals have variable experiences when accessing midwifery care and support. Midwifery policies and practice guidelines should be reflective of the distinct needs of LGBTQ+ people and their families and friends. Future studies could focus more on the impact and outcomes of their care experiences within midwifery services.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2021. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0. This article has been published by ELsevier in Midwifery.
Publisher Keywords:	Midwifery, Nurse midwife, LGBTQ, Care and support, Education
Subjects:	R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics R Medicine > RT Nursing
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Nursing