Culturally competent care for LGBTIQA+ people experiencing intimate partner violence: A reflexive thematic analysis of healthcare provider perspectives and support needs

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual/Aromantic (LGBTIQA+) people and other individuals with diverse sexual orientation, sex and/or gender identity experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at higher rates than non-LGBTIQA+ people but often receive inconsistent culturally competent healthcare, which deters help-seeking. Supporting healthcare providers to improve cultural competence can encourage help-seeking and reduce ongoing harm from IPV. This study explored the perspectives and support needs of Western Australian (WA) healthcare providers on delivering culturally competent care to LGBTIQA+ people experiencing IPV. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight WA-based healthcare providers (four general practitioners, two psychologists, and two nurses). Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were developed: 1) “Acceptance is Not Enough”: Genuine Culturally Competent LGBTIQA+ Care, 2) IPV Services are Not Accessible for LGBTIQA+ People, and 3) “We Need Better Supports”: Training and Screening Tools as Enablers of Culturally Competent LGBTIQA+ Care. Enhancing culturally competent care for LGBTIQA+ people experiencing IPV requires a multidimensional approach, including formal training, accessible resources, trustworthy referral networks, and organizational commitment to health equity for LGBTIQA+ patients. Cross-sector collaboration and systemic change are essential to building a healthcare system that is responsive to the needs of LGBTIQA+ people experiencing IPV.