Improving LGBTQIA+ Palliative Care Using Relational Practice and Cultural Safety

Abstract: This presentation explores how discrimination towards LGBTQIA+ patients and families happens in palliative care settings and uses cultural safety and relational care practices to begin to address them. First, it explores relational practice and the importance of understanding intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual factors when building trust with LGBTQIA+ clients. Next, Cultural Safety is discussed as it applies to creating safety for LGBTQIA+ patients and families in the palliative care setting. Lastly, real life case examples are explored. This presentation intends to start a dialogue, foster critical thinking, and provide practical recommendations to those working in all areas of palliative care, from front line workers to managers and administrators to policy developers in order to improve care and safety for all people accessing palliative care.