A Resource Compendium for Embedding LGBTQIA+ Patient Care in the Professional Identity of Community Pharmacists

Abstract

Objectives: Cultural, clinical, social, and legally competent patient care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) patients is currently scarcely incorporated in pharmacy curricula. Furthermore, clinical, legal, and socio-cultural training that prepares pharmacists on the job to provide LGBTQIA+ competent patient care is scant. Here, our objectives were to (1) systematically review the literature using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify trends in community pharmacists' professional identity development related to the provision of competent LGBTQIA+ patient care, and (2) create a reference guide for community pharmacists for self-directed learning. The literature search focused on 4 professional identity domains common to most pharmacists: academic and clinical competence, cultural sensitivity, knowledge of state and federal laws, and continuing professional development.

Findings: A total of 207 articles were identified, with 93 retrieved, of which 26 articles were included in the final analysis based on title and abstract and other inclusion criteria.

Summary: Overall, our search identified that the LGBTQIA+ health professions literature focused on the following themes: guidance for appropriate drug selection and therapy, creation of cultural sensitivity training curricula, community pharmacists' perceptions of their ability to provide LGBTQIA+ care, health system interventions, and Allyship education for advancing LGBTQIA+ care, the need for enhanced training of pharmacists for understanding the federal and state laws and requirements while providing care, and the need for a resource compendium to help community pharmacists access self-directed learning information, for which we have created a self-help resource guide for pharmacists in these 4 professional pharmacist identity domains.

Keywords: Competency; Gender expansive; LGBTQIA+; Pharmacist; Professional identity formation.