| Abstract: | Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) patients have a greater risk of suicide, depression, anxiety, and sexually transmitted infections. Provider interactions with different cultures related to sexual orientation and gender identification often lack LGBTQ+-specific competence. Marginalized patients may gain greater access to health care with telehealth. A convenience sample of embedded participants, nurse practitioner faculty, and nurse practitioner students participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to the simulated patient visit via a telehealth robot (telerobot) or an in-person provider. Differences were noted between an in-person provider and a telerobot. Social presence favored the telerobot provider (P = .006). Telerobot and telehealth visits may mitigate health care barriers. |
