Nurse education about forced migrants with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions: An exploratory focus group study

Abstract

BackgroundIn many countries, forced migrants can seek asylum based on persecution and danger related to self-identifying as having diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; herein defined as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other non-heterosexual orientations, non-cisgender identities, gender expressions and/or reproductive development considered beyond cultural, societal or physiological norms. Nurse education has a significant role in promoting cultural competence among future health professionals. ObjectivesTo explore the experiences and views regarding education about forced migrants with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, among students and lecturers in nurse education. DesignExplorative qualitative study with focus group discussions. SettingsSwedish nursing programs. ParticipantsFinal-year nursing students and lecturers (n = 25 participants) at nursing programs were recruited with convenience and snowball sampling. MethodsSemi-structured digital focus group discussions (n = 9) were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed with inductive qualitative content analysis. ResultsPromoting a broader understanding regarding societal structures and preparing students to provide culturally sensitive care were considered as essential components in nurse education. Challenges and problems involved a need for increased awareness, the associated topics and target populations seldom being addressed, and a need for improvements within clinical placements. Participants suggested the utilization of external resources, presented a range of different specific learning activities that would promote in-depth understanding, and articulated a need for overarching decisions and guidelines regarding mandatory inclusion in nurse education. ConclusionsStudents and lecturers describe several challenges and problems that need to be addressed in regard to forced migration, sexual health, and inclusion health. There seems to be a need for utilization of external competence in learning activities as well as establishing clearer guidelines, which may increase the quality of education and better prepare future nurses to support patients with diverse backgrounds and identities.