Introduction
The treatment of patients belonging to the LGBTQ group has its own characteristics. In modern times, there is insufficient care for LGBTQ patients by health workers and doctors (Madina-Martinez et al., 2021). According to statistics, this group of patients has many problems related to the psychological state of patients, as well as with their life characteristics, for example, the use of psychoactive substances (McNamara & Ng, 2016). In addition, based on the characteristics of the sexual life of patients, additional examinations are necessary. Thus, gay men need to be tested for HIV infection, and women for the presence of the human papillomavirus. In addition, women are recommended to be screened for cervical cancer and breast cancer.
Unique Challenges of Treating the LGBTQ Patient Population
Frequent Examinations
The peculiarities of working with representatives of the LGBTQ community are that they require several annual inspections. People who lead a non-standard sex life need to be tested for infections yearly, such as chlamydia (McNamara & Ng, 2016). Men who have sex with men should carefully monitor their health, which is associated with an increased risk of syphilis, gonorrhea, different groups of hepatitis, and other diseases requiring regular follow-up examinations (McNamara & Ng, 2016).
Post-Surgery Care
Another complication in the treatment of LGBTQ patients is that some of them have undergone gender reassignment surgery. It is essential to train patients who have changed their gender and men who have had mastectomy operations (Caceres et al., 2020). Such patients often undergo hormone therapy, which has its own characteristics and risks. Transgender men need to be aware of the dangers of breast cancer, and transgender women are excluded from this risk.
Article Insights to Use in Clinical Practice
The article vividly illustrates the nuances of working with the LGBTQ community members and provides specific recommendations for clinical practice. Medical professionals should be aware of the specifics of working with patients undergoing hormonal treatment; for example, prescribing hormonal drugs with caution to patients with tumors, liver, and heart diseases (Caceres et al., 2020).
In addition, it is essential to monitor patients’ physical and mental condition, as hormonal fluctuations can lead to complications such as weight gain or thrombosis. The mental state of patients requires special careful monitoring since often LGBTQ patients are not initially stable in this regard, and additional hormone treatment can further complicate the situation.
The article by McNamara and Ng (2016) undoubtedly brought significant benefits in enriching their knowledge about the healthcare of patients in the LGBTQ community. Due to past experiences, such patients have developed a negative view of healthcare that needs correction. It is essential to provide equally high-quality care to patients of all groups. Additionally, it is essential to acknowledge the unique features inherent in the work of LGBTQ students.
Conclusion
Naturally, it is essential to review the medical history of patients from this group to develop a personalized treatment plan for the future. Also, it is necessary to be more sensitive and attentive to the mental state of patients due to their often unstable and vulnerable psyches. I agree that it is a priority in modern healthcare to create a safe setting for treatment while ensuring LGBTQ+ patients receive the same high standard of care as all other patients.
References
Caceres, B., Travers, J., Primiano, J., Luscombe, R., & Dorsen, C. (2020). Provider and LGBT individuals’ perspectives on LGBT issues in long-term care: A systematic review. The Gerontologist, 60(3), 169-183.
Madina-Martinez, J., Says-Ortega, C., Sanchez-Lorente, M., Sosna-Palanca, M., Garcia-Martinez, P., & Marmol-López, M. (2021). Health inequities in LGBT people and nursing interventions to reduce them: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(22), p. 11801.
McNamara, M., & Ng, H. (2016). Best practices in LGBT care: A guide for primary care physicians. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 83(7), 531-541.