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The research and use of psychedelic medicines to treat common mental health disorders has increased substantially in the past 2 decades. At the same time, knowledge is relatively uncommon among midwives regarding (1) the relative benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy, (2) best practices associated with the delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapy, and (3) responsible integration of this potentially useful intervention into mental health treatment plans. The purpose of this review is to describe current applications of psychedelic medicines to treat common mental health disorders, to describe the current legal status of these medicines used in this context, and to explore the potential for midwifery practice in this area with further training. This article also addresses the disparities regarding LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC populations in relation to this topic and their historical exclusion from research and treatment access in this field.

Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances that were studied extensively between 1943 and 1970 as potential therapies for treating a host of mental health disorders, including addiction. Despite promising early results, U.S. psychedelic research was halted in the early 1970s with the enactment of the Controlled Substances Act. As the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy develops, nurses can decide the role they will play in the continuing clinical and scholarly research of these substances, which may soon be used in controlled settings to treat some of the most widespread mental health disorders. To prepare for this task, this article proposes that nurses* become familiar with the history, relevant language, and scientific findings related to the field of psychedelic research.* learn about existing psychedelic-assisted therapy and research resources.* examine their thoughts, judgments, and opinions about therapeutic psychedelic use.* consider the potential role of nursing in psychedelic-assisted therapies going forward.

ABSTRACT Background Aims Methods Data Sources Results Conclusion Impact Reporting Method Patient or Public Contribution Sexual and gender diverse (SGD) people in the United States (US) experience health inequities due to societal stigma and marginalisation. The nursing workforce must provide evidence‐based affirming, inclusive and culturally responsive care for SGD people to meet individual and community health needs and eliminate disparities.The purpose of this scoping review was to synthesise what is known about (1) nurses' knowledge, skills and attitudes related to caring for SGD people in the US and (2) the existence, development and evaluation of SGD‐related educational offerings available to practicing nurses in the US to develop the knowledge and skills needed to promote the health and wellbeing of SGD individuals, families and communities.This review followed the scoping review methodology and PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR).In conjunction with a health librarian, an electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed, LGBT Health, CINAHL, ERIC and Health Source‐Nursing.Thirty‐two studies were included in this review, including quantitative and qualitative studies that sought to understand the knowledge, attitudes and clinical experiences of nurses related to the care of SGD people; studies that tested educational interventions and studies that identified educational barriers and facilitators. Major gaps in education, practice and research, as well as methodological limitations of existing studies, were noted.Nurses would benefit from expanded access to effective standardised foundational SGD‐related health continuing education to help prepare them to care for diverse patient populations. Equity, inclusivity and dignity are key values of the nursing profession. It is imperative that nurses have the knowledge and skills to apply these values consistently in day‐to‐day professional practice across populations and settings.There is an urgent need to develop standardised, easily accessible evidence‐based educational content to address nurses' knowledge of and attitudes towards caring for SGD people.This study adhered to the PRISMA‐ScR reporting guidelines.There was no patient or public contribution to this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Sexual minorities face significant psychosocial stressors (such as discrimination and violence) that impact their health. Several studies indicate that sexual minority women (SMW) and bisexual men may be at highest risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but limited research has examined physiological CVD risk or racial/ethnic differences. This study sought to examine racial/ethnic differences in physiological risk factors for CVD among sexual minority and heterosexual adults. Design: We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001–2016) using sex-stratified multiple linear regression models to estimate differences in physiological CVD risk. We compared sexual minorities (gay/lesbian, bisexual, 'not sure') to heterosexual participants first without regard to race/ethnicity. Then we compared sexual minorities by race/ethnicity to White heterosexual participants. Results: The sample included 22,305 participants (ages 18–59). Lesbian women had higher body mass index (BMI) but lower total cholesterol than heterosexual women. Bisexual women had higher systolic blood pressure (SBP). Gay men had lower BMI and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) relative to heterosexual men. White and Black lesbian women and bisexual women of all races/ethnicities had higher BMI than White heterosexual women; Black bisexual women had higher SBP and HbA1c. Black sexual minority men had higher HbA1c relative to White heterosexual men. Latino 'not sure' men also had higher SBP, HbA1c, and total cholesterol than White heterosexual men. Conclusions: Given evidence of higher CVD risk in sexual minority people of color relative to White heterosexuals, there is a need for health promotion initiatives to address these disparities. Additional research that incorporates longitudinal designs and examines the influence of psychosocial stressors on CVD risk in sexual minorities is recommended. Findings have implications for clinical and policy efforts to promote the cardiovascular health of sexual minorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Gender affirmation lessens mental health disparities among transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) persons. However, the concept of what it means to be affirmed in one's gender has not been fully explored, nor has the impact of gender affirmation on other health indicators been determined. The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of gender affirmation among a sample of TGNB persons. Methods: This qualitative, narrative inquiry study consisted of individual, in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with a convenience sample of 20 TGNB persons. Descriptive content analysis was conducted to discover themes. Results: This study identified salient themes regarding the multiple levels of affirmation (including internal, external and societal) needed to achieve the overall goal of living an optimal life described as "being seen, heard and even celebrated" as TGNB. Conclusion: Results of this study have clinical, educational, research, and policy implications. Future research should explore the impact of gender affirmation on important health indicators in the TGNB community, differences in the experiences and needs among subgroups of TGNB persons, and the potential impact of nurses on the health experience of TGNB persons across the spectrum of transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]