Factors Affecting the LGBT Population When Choosing a Surrogate Decision Maker

    Authors

    J. W. Buckey;C. N. Browning

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Soc. Serv. Res.

    Keywords

    LGBT; gay; lesbian; end of life; health care surrogate; health care; planning; advance directive; SAME-SEX COUPLES; SOCIAL-WORK; CARE; GAY; LIFE; LESBIANS; SUPPORT; OTHERS; HEALTH; END; Social Work

    Abstract

    For individuals in the marginalized population of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans- gender persons (LGBT), choosing a health care surrogate to make medical decisions is an emotionally challenging task. These decisions become more difficult when compounded by issues of discrimination, lack of legal and social support, varying levels of relationship commitment, and complications of disclosure to family and medical professionals. Limited research exists regarding the social, legal, medical, and familial environments that impact the choice of a surrogate decision maker for an LGBT individual. This systematic review examines 14 articles to identify factors influencing individual surrogate choice and existing gaps in the literature. To remedy current research limitations, future research recommendations address the areas of design, sampling, data collection, and data analysis within diverse subgroups of the LGBT population. This review further identifies related areas of service required by members of the LGBT population relative to diversity, demographics, and social, legal, medical, and familial environments influencing their choice of a surrogate decision maker.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Social Service Research

    Volume

    39

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2013

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    233

    Last Page

    252

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000327837500007

    ISSN

    0148-8376

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