Enhancing holistic nursing care for sexual and gender minorities: A scoping review of global training initiatives

Abstract

Background: Holistic nursing care integrates the physical, social, spiritual and psychological dimensions of well-being. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) groups experience healthcare disparities because of non-inclusive policies. To provide culturally competent care, nurses must receive training in addressing the needs of SGM individuals.
Aim: This review synthesises evidence on the training nurses receive to deliver holistic care to SGM groups.
Methods: Four electronic health databases – MEDLINE, Web of Science, ProQuest (Nursing & Allied) and EBSCOhost (CINAHL) – were searched for articles on nurses’ training for holistic care of SGM people, published between 2021 and 2025. Screening and reporting adhered to PRISMA flowchart guidelines, and Population, Concept and Context framework was utilised.
Results: Three key themes emerged: the beneficial outcomes of healthcare training for nurses on SGM issues, factors hindering nurses from providing holistic care to SGM groups and characteristics of content in nursing education.
Conclusion: Programmes aimed at equipping nurses to deliver holistic nursing care to SGM individuals require improvements in both their duration and delivery methods. It is imperative for higher education institutions to prioritise the provision of training on SGM issues for nurse educators, as this initiative is essential for substantially improving curriculum development. Collaboration among stakeholders can enhance healthcare outcomes for SGM groups.
Contribution: This review can inform policies affecting SGM individuals, while helping develop a culturally competent workforce.