Performance of Family Health Strategy Nurses in LGBT+ Healthcare

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the role of Family Health Strategy (FHS) nurses in the health care of LGBT+ individuals. Methods: This qualitative study is based on Institutional Analysis. Data was collected in August 2021 through semi-structured interviews with 14 Family Health Strategy nurses from municipalities in the state of São Paulo. The data was processed using the IRaMuTeQ® software and analyzed lexically. Results: The textual corpus gave rise to three themes, which addressed the nurses’ practice, the difficulties and challenges they face in providing care to LGBT+ individuals, and the direct association of LGBT+ individuals with sexually transmitted infections. Conclusion: Lack of preparedness, access to information, and the need for expanded listening skills are still gaps in the performance of FHS nurses in caring for LGBT+ individuals. However, fostering acceptance and building strong relationships have been effective strategies in bridging the gap in nursing care for the LGBT+ community.