Queer-centred care: healthcare providers’ perspectives and recommendations for mitigating suicide risk among LGBTQA+ young people in Northern Ireland

Aim: To explore the evidence-based perspectives and recommendations of healthcare service providers in mitigating suicide risk among LGBTQA+ young people, and to identify opportunities for more inclusive, affirmative, and equitable healthcare.

Design: A descriptive qualitative design was adopted.

Methods: Between May and August 2024, we conducted semi-structured focus group interviews with fourteen healthcare practitioners specialising in mental health, crisis intervention, youth services, and LGBTQA+ healthcare. Data collection and analysis were guided by Framework Analysis, a structured qualitative method that supports systematic organisation, and interpretation of complex data across cases and themes.

Results: Four themes were identified: 1) Improving access to healthcare; 2) Service improvement; 3) Individualising care; 4) Reducing the impact of risk factors. These findings inform actionable recommendations for suicide prevention strategies, improvements in mental health service delivery, and evidence-based best practices.

Conclusion: LGBTQA+ youth continue to face systemic barriers to equitable healthcare. Mitigating suicide risk requires queer-affirmative care, proactive service delivery, culturally competent practitioners, and actionable strategies that address unmet healthcare needs, promote engagement, and reduce existing health disparities.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care: Mental health practitioners should deliver inclusive, trauma-informed, and LGBTQA+ affirmative care. Improving clinical outcomes requires systemic service improvements, meaningful involvement of young people in care planning and decision-making processes, and comprehensive training in LGBTQA+ health to strengthen cultural competence among practitioners.

Impact: This study addresses a significant knowledge gap and provides evidence-based recommendations for mitigating suicide risk, addressing the specific healthcare needs of LGBTQA+ youth, and enhancing their support systems. The findings have the potential to inform clinical best practices, healthcare education, service design, provision and accessibility, policy development, and suicide prevention strategies.