Healthcare professionals' experiences related LGBTQ+ patients and colleagues at their workplace: Descriptive research in Japan

Background: LGBTQ+ patients often face discrimination in a healthcare setting, and LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals experience disproportionately high levels of workplace stress. The purpose of this research is (i) to explore healthcare professionals' experiences about LGBTQ+ patients and colleagues and (ii) evaluate LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals' experiences, challenges, and concerns in their workplace. Methods: The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression (SOGIE) Project of the Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions (MIN-IREN) developed and distributed a questionnaire to assess staff experiences related to SOGI at their workplace. Results: A total of 6216 professionals participated. Of these, 443 (7.1%) reported witnessing or hearing about discrimination against LGBTQ+ patients, and 330 (5.3%) reported similar incidents involving LGBTQ+ colleagues. The most common source of knowledge was mass media. Approximately half of the participants described their workplace as welcoming to LGBTQ+ patients and colleagues. While 705 (11.3%) participants openly identified as allies, 2129 (34.3%) considered themselves allies at heart without expressing it. Some initiatives were identified to be prioritized. Among 133 (2.1%) participants identifying themselves as LGBTQ+, 41 participants reported disclosing their SOGI to some members in their workplaces. The most common workplace difficulty was the assumption of heterosexuality in all events. Conclusions: Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ population in healthcare settings is prevalent. Many healthcare professionals who hold allyship at heart face some barriers to express it. LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals face various difficulties at their workplaces. Collaboration with LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals is needed to foster inclusivity and support a more affirming healthcare environment.