Assessing the Experiences of LGBTQ Patients in the ICU

Overview

About this study

This study aims to assess the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ) patients who have been admitted to the intensive care unit and to identify any unique stressors or heteronormative biases that are faced by LGBTQ patients in the course of an admission to the ICU. Most patients who are admitted to the ICU require a surrogate decision maker to communicate on their behalf at some point in their stay. However there is wide variety in legal standards for who has the authority to act as a surrogate decision maker if the patient has not designated one already. Fifteen to 25 patients and their families will be interviewed about their experiences in the ICU, with special attention to their communication with their care teams and to the use of surrogate decision makers during their hospitalization.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Is 18 years old or older.
  • Self-identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community or self-identified as such at the time of their admission or is the spouse, partner, or family member who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community.
  • Has been on a ventilator in the intensive care unit or is the spouse, partner, or family member of a patient on a ventilator in the intensive care unit between 1/2016 and 2/2022.

Exclusion Criteria: 

  • Does not meet the above criteria for age, LGBTQ identity, relationship to an LGBTQ identifying individual, and past mechanical ventilation.

Eligibility last updated 3/2/22. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Erin DeMartino, M.D.

Open for enrollment

Contact information:

Jeremiah Stout

(507) 293-9440

Stout.Jeremiah@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available