Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | Invisible patients: nursing care for the person belonging to a sexual minority |
|---|---|
| Name | Gelao Roberta |
| Supervisor(s) | Pellacani Paola, Volpi Paola |
| Academic Year | 2018/19 |
| Thesis type | Non research thesis |
Abstract
With reference to Article 3 of the Code of Ethics for Nursing Professions, 2019, the "good nurse" must be tolerant of "diversity". In this regard, healthcare professionals are not obliged to change their opinion to join this mandate, but they are required to exhibit non-discriminatory behaviour towards sexual minorities. This requires a strong individual commitment from each healthcare professional.
Therefore, the purpose of my thesis paper is to provide information on issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, in order to deconstruct the mythology surrounding homosexuality and to present conceptual and operational tools aimed at creating inclusive contexts for the individuals at hand. Attention will also be given to the development of skills needed to identify the needs of the individuals mentioned (i.e. homosexual, bisexual and transgender people). In addition to the areas of potential problems when interacting with these type of individuals in the healthcare context. To this end, scientific literature has been researched through searches of online databases such as: "Pubmed", "CINAHL" and search engine: "Google scholar", using keywords such as: "homosexual", "transexual", "sexuality", "nursing", "heterosexism" and "stigma". In the elaboration, possible nursing diagnoses are presented in which these users could be involved or affected, referable to the sexual and psycho-social sphere, through a nursing plan according to the NANDA-I model, NOC and NIC. The conclusion will highlight the current, albeit slow, change in the nursing approach of these users, as shown by the literature presented. The need for such a change has become more necessary than ever in the field of health care. Despite our human nature to make judgments about others and to have little tolerance for what appears to be undefined or unknown, this does not justify a compromise in healthcare and the quality of care for the patient.