Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42332689›Full record

ArticleBMC palliative care2026

Grief experiences among LGBTQ+ populations: a scoping review.

Tamara Rodríguez Pérez, Cristo Manuel Marrero González, Héctor Vera Ortega, Alfonso Miguel García Hernández

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in BMC palliative care, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Tamara Rodríguez PérezPrograma de Doctorado, Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain. alu0100851793@ull.edu.es.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0007-2742-2106
Cristo Manuel Marrero GonzálezFacultad de Enfermería, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6202-2411
Héctor Vera OrtegaEscuela de Doctorado, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0003-4959-0275
Alfonso Miguel García HernándezFacultad de Enfermería, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2838-8735

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

contextLGBTQ+ individuals face grieving processes complicated by minority stress, structural discrimination, and fears related to disclosure of their sexual orientation or gender identity, which leads to disenfranchised grief within healthcare systems that remain heteronormative. Recent literature on palliative care highlights inequities in access, a lack of recognition of chosen families, and gaps in professionals' LGBTQ+ cultural competence.

objectiveTo explore research published between 2021 and 2026 on grief and bereavement-related experiences among LGBTQ+ adults in healthcare and palliative care settings, identifying the main topics addressed and knowledge gaps relevant to clinical practice.

methodsA scoping review was conducted following the framework of Arksey and O'Malley and the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute and reported according to PRISMA-ScR. Original articles were searched for in 6 databases (February 2026). Independent double screening (k = 0.87) with removal of duplicates. Primary empirical studies on grief and bereavement-related experiences in LGBTQ+ adults in healthcare or palliative care settings were included, including studies on end-of-life communication, advance care planning, disclosure processes, and bereavement-related support when they provided identifiable primary data. Data were extracted using structured templates and analyzed through inductive thematic analysis.

resultsSeven primary empirical studies were included, with qualitative designs predominating. The evidence was mainly produced in English-speaking countries. Four main themes were identified: minority stress, complexities of disclosure, disenfranchised grief, and gaps in professional training. Critical gaps included underrepresentation of transgender people, a scarcity of quantitative data, an absence of intersectional perspectives, and concentration in Western contexts.

conclusionsGrief and bereavement-related experiences of LGBTQ+ adults in healthcare and palliative care settings appear to be profoundly shaped by structural dynamics of stigma, the invisibility of the chosen family, and training deficits in LGBTQ+ cultural competence. These findings suggest the need to develop institutional protocols sensitive to disclosure preferences, formally recognize the chosen family in end-of-life decisions, and incorporate mandatory training in LGBTQ+ competencies into curricula and continuing education programs. Future research should prioritize longitudinal and interventionist designs, intersectional approaches, and studies in non-Western contexts.

Indexed as

GriefSexual and Gender MinoritiesFemaleHumansPalliative CareBereavementChosen familyDisclosureLGBTQ+Minority stressPalliative care

Identifiers

PMID42332689
PMCPMC13540858

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.