Cisheteronormativity in healthcare settings may further exacerbate existing health disparities between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ populations. The aim of the current review is to identify dimensions of cisheteronormativity that manifest in healthcare settings to influence the healthcare utilization of LGBTQ+ individuals. 8146 articles were screened, with 53 remaining for inclusion. Thematic synthesis identified five themes linked to negative healthcare use: 1) Lack of Provider LGBTQ+ Knowledge, 2) Endorsements of Cisheteronormativity, 3) Assumptions of LGBTQ+ experiences and assumptions of non-LGBTQ+ identity, 4) Negation, and 5) Abuse of Power. Findings emphasize the need for provider education regarding LGBTQ+ identities and the dismantling of cisheteronormative structures in healthcare. • LGBTQ+ people often have their identities negated in healthcare settings • Healthcare providers can lack appropriate knowledge of LGBTQ+ people • Healthcare providers may actively endorse heterosexual and cisgender identities • LGBTQ+ people face assumptions of a heterosexual and cisgender identity in services • Evident across countries, each of the above are linked to service cessation
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Bartels et al. (2025) studied this question.
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