Strategies for Inclusive Medical Imaging Environments for Sexual and Gender Minority Patients and Radiographers: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Sexual and gender minority patients, and radiographers, experience several challenges that hinder realisation of their rights to equality and to a standard of living which is adequate for their well-being and health, in clinical environments. To this extent, a person-centred care approach is advocated for the medical radiation science professions so that a more inclusive medical imaging environment for patients and radiographers is provided. There is no summation of the body of knowledge available to promote all-encompassing environments for sexual and gender minority groups in medical imaging.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the current evidence available on strategies that can be and are used to foster inclusive medical imaging environments for sexual and gender minority patient groups and radiographers.

Key findings: Four articles, predominantly written from a global north perspective and within the last three years, formed part of this review. The strategies that emerged from the analysed articles were categorised into three themes, namely, using inclusive language, educating radiographers, and creating affirming health care environments.

Conclusion: Limited evidence exists on the strategies used to promote more inclusive medical imaging environments for sexual and gender minority patients and radiographers. Hence, more work in this area is needed from a diagnostic radiography perspective. Recommendations for possible future research are provided.

Keywords: LGBTQIA+; approaches; diversity integration; gender diversity; radiography.