“I need more knowledge”: Qualitative analysis of oncology providers’ experiences with sexual and gender minority patients

Christina L. Tamargo; Edith P. Mitchell; Lynne Wagner; Melissa A. Simon; Ruth C. Carlos; Bruce J. Giantonio; Matthew B. Schabath; Gwendolyn P. Quinn

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.763348

Frontiers in Psychology (Aug 2022)

“I need more knowledge”: Qualitative analysis of oncology providers’ experiences with sexual and gender minority patients

Christina L. Tamargo,
Edith P. Mitchell,
Lynne Wagner,
Melissa A. Simon,
Ruth C. Carlos,
Bruce J. Giantonio,
Matthew B. Schabath,
Gwendolyn P. Quinn

Affiliations

Christina L. Tamargo: Department of Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
Edith P. Mitchell: Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Lynne Wagner: Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
Melissa A. Simon: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
Ruth C. Carlos: Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Bruce J. Giantonio: Department of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
Matthew B. Schabath: Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
Gwendolyn P. Quinn: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.763348
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 13

Abstract

Read online

BackgroundWhile societal acceptance for sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals is increasing, this group continues to face barriers to quality healthcare. Little is known about clinicians’ experiences with SGM patients in the oncology setting. To address this, a mixed method survey was administered to members of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group.Materials and methodsWe report results from the open-ended portion of the survey. Four questions asked clinicians to describe experiences with SGM patients, reservations in caring for them, suggestions for improvement in SGM cancer care, and additional comments. Data were analyzed using content analysis and the constant comparison method.ResultsThe majority of respondents noted they had no or little familiarity with SGM patients. A minority of respondents noted experience with gay and lesbian patients, but not transgender patients; many who reported experience with transgender patients also noted difficulty navigating the correct use of pronouns. Many respondents also highlighted positive experiences with SGM patients. Suggestions for improvement in SGM cancer care included providing widespread training, attending to unique end-of-life care issues among SGM patients, and engaging in efforts to build trust.ConclusionClinicians have minimal experiences with SGM patients with cancer but desire training. Training the entire workforce may improve trust with, outreach efforts to, and cancer care delivery to the SGM community.

Published in Frontiers in Psychology

ISSN: 1664-1078 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Philosophy. Psychology. Religion: Psychology
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology

About the journal

Abstract

Keywords