Coming out in cancer care: Is disclosure of sexual orientation beneficial?

Abstract

Nurses and other health professionals are to ask about sexual orientation at every face-to-face contact across the NHS from 2019. However, there are concerns about the need for, and relevance of, sexual orientation disclosure and of the potential for discomfort and embarrassment. We conducted qualitative interviews with fifteen lesbian, gay and bisexual patients to investigate how experiences of cancer care are mediated by disclosure. Using thematic analysis, three themes emerged: identifying the barriers to disclosure, approaches to, and facilitators of, coming out, and small actions/big impact: nurses’ responses to disclosure. In conclusion, we situate disclosure within a model of holistic care recognising that patients’ individual needs constitute one of the eight principles of quality nursing. Treating the whole person means that patients are more likely to engage in positive health behaviours, have more knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their health and be more satisfied with their care.