• Linda Shields, Tess Zappia, Diana Blackwood, Rochelle Watkins, Joan Wardrop, and Rose Chapman.
• Curtin University, and Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. l.shields@curtin.edu.au
• Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2012 Dec 1;9(4):200-9.

BackgroundFew studies have examined the issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)-parented families in relation to their access to and satisfaction with healthcare services for their children. It is thought that LGBT individuals have experienced negative interactions with the healthcare environment.AimsTo systematically review the literature investigating the experience of LGBT parents seeking health care for their children.MethodsA search of the following databases: Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, Google Scholar, Medline, PsychInfo, Science Direct, Sociological Abstracts, Proquest, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. Using the PRISMA flow chart and processes of the United Kingdom Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, we selected and analysed relevant studies.FindingsFour studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified. Studies showed that while the experience of LGBT parents seeking health care was largely positive, strategies need to be implemented to improve the quality of healthcare services for LGBT families and ensure that their needs are met.DiscussionAlthough many LGBT parents have positive experiences of health care, some still experience discrimination and prejudice.Implications For PracticeSpecific educational interventions are needed to support LGBT parents seeking health care for their children.ConclusionsFurther research is required to explore LGBT-parented families' experiences of healthcare services, and this should include children's experiences.© 2012 Sigma Theta Tau International.

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