The inclusion and representation of LGBTIQ+ content in undergraduate nurse education: A scoping review

Nurse Educ Today. 2023 May:124:105771. doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2023.105771. Epub 2023 Mar 3.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this review was to gain an overview of existing empirical literature examining LGBTIQ+ content in undergraduate nursing curricula.

Design: An international scoping review was conducted using librarian assisted search strategies.

Data sources: The databases CINAHL, SCOPUS and ERIC were searched. A total of 30 studies meeting the eligibility criteria were included in this review.

Review methods: Following a quality appraisal, thematic analysis was conducted to identify six key themes.

Results: 30 studies spanning 8 countries, across 5 continents were included in this review. 6 themes emerged 1) Level of Knowledge Regarding LGBTIQ+ People and Their Specific Health Needs, 2) Comfort and Preparedness in the Provision of Care to LGBTIQ+ People, 3) Attitudes Toward LGBTIQ+ People, 4) Inclusion of LGBTIQ+ Educational Content, 5) Framing of LGBTIQ+ Educational Content, 6) Pedagogical Strategies to Incorporate LGBTIQ+ Content.

Conclusions: Nurse education is dominated by heteronormativity, deficit discourses, stereotypes, binary ideologies and western cultural perspectives. The body of literature surrounding LGBTIQ+ content in nurse education is largely quantitative, insular and contributes to the erasure of unique identities under the LGBTIQ+ umbrella.

Keywords: Curriculum; Education, nursing, baccalaureate; Gender identity; LGBTIQ+; Nurse education; Nursing; Nursing curriculum; Sexual and gender minorities.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attitude
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate*
  • Educational Status
  • Humans
  • Students, Nursing*