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Oblea PN, Bathan NQ, Gaa CA, Lustik MB, Tartavoulle TM, Nguyen-Wu ED, Siaki LA. Outcomes of LGBTQ culturally sensitive training among civilian and military healthcare personnel. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023; 45:e557-e566. [PMID: 36502415 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) military servicemembers are at higher risk of developing health problems compared to heterosexual peers. To improve outcomes and address negative attitudes, previous literature has recommended education of healthcare personnel. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the knowledge and skill outcomes of an LGBTQ cultural sensitivity training program. METHODS We used a pretest/posttest design. Participants completed the Ally Identity Measure (AIM) to assess three subscales: knowledge and skills, openness and support, and oppression awareness. Participants included both military and civilian healthcare personnel from multiple disciplines. Descriptive statistics and pairwise analyses were used. RESULTS A total of 101 participants answered both pretest and posttest. Across all AIM subscales, posttest scores demonstrated statistically significant (P < 0.001) increases from mean pretest scores. Completion rates for the pretest and posttest were 99% and 93%, respectively. The majority of participants were female (75%) and non-Hispanic (87%), composed of Caucasians (39%) and Asians (33%). Over one-third (39%) of participants were aged 30-39. Fifty percent were active-duty military and more than half (58%) of all participants did not have prior training in LGBTQ patient care. Statistically significant differences were found between the pretest and posttest scores for the knowledge and skills subscale (M = 2.64-3.70). The most significant increases were observed in Item 12 and Item 15 (M = 2.72-3.70) regarding awareness of theories and skill development to provide proper support, respectively. CONCLUSION These significant findings contribute to the currently limited research exploring LGBTQ cultural sensitivity training in both civilian and military settings. To our knowledge, this is the first time a cultural sensitivity training of this depth has been provided to active-duty servicemembers. Further research and development of similar educational programs integrating interactive participation can potentially aid in the delivery of improved care and military readiness for all servicemembers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro N Oblea
- Department of Inpatient Services, Center for Nursing Science & Clinical Inquiry, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA
| | - Nicole Q Bathan
- Department of Inpatient Services, Center for Nursing Science & Clinical Inquiry, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA
| | - Christyn A Gaa
- Department of Inpatient Services, Center for Nursing Science & Clinical Inquiry, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA
| | - Michael B Lustik
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA
| | - Todd M Tartavoulle
- School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Nguyen-Wu
- Department of Inpatient Services, Center for Nursing Science & Clinical Inquiry, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA
| | - Leilani A Siaki
- Department of Inpatient Services, Center for Nursing Science & Clinical Inquiry, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA
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Klemmer CL, Schuyler AC, Mamey MR, Schrager SM, Castro CA, Goldbach J, Holloway IW. Health and Service-related Impact of Sexual and Stalking Victimization During United States Military Service on LGBT Service Members. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP7554-NP7579. [PMID: 33121327 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520970312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Prior research among military personnel has indicated that sexual harassment, stalking, and sexual assault during military service are related to negative health sequelae. However, research specific to LGBT U.S. service members is limited. The current study aimed to explore the health, service utilization, and service-related impact of stalking and sexual victimization experiences in a sample of active-duty LGBT U.S. service members (N = 248). Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit study participants. U.S. service members were eligible to participate if they were 18 years or older and active-duty members of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, or U.S. Air Force. This study included a sizeable portion of transgender service members (N = 58, 23.4%). Sociodemographic characteristics, characteristics of military service, health, and sexual and stalking victimization in the military were assessed. Regression was used to examine relationships between health and service outcomes and sexual and stalking victimization during military service. Final adjusted models showed that experiencing multiple forms of victimization in the military increased the odds of visiting a mental health clinician and having elevated somatic symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology, anxiety, and suicidality. Sexual and stalking victimization during U.S. military service was statistically significantly related to the mental and physical health of LGBT U.S. service members. Interventions to reduce victimization experiences and support LGBT U.S. service members who experience these types of violence are indicated. Research that examines the role of LGBT individuals' experiences and organizational and peer factors, including social support, leadership characteristics, and institutional policies in the United States military is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sheree M Schrager
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California State University Northridge, CA, USA
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Beltran RM, Schuyler AC, Blair CS, Goldbach JT, Castro CA, Holloway IW. "That's kind of like the big struggle right now is can we get PrEP?": Facilitators and Barriers to PrEP Uptake Among Active Duty Gay and Bisexual Men. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2021; 20:413-425. [PMID: 37250806 PMCID: PMC10212805 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-021-00622-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The US Military is experiencing a rise in HIV infections among gay and bisexual men (GBM) serving on active duty, yet little is known about this population's uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an evidence-based intervention for HIV prevention. This mixed methods study examines the facilitators and barriers to PrEP access and uptake among active duty GBM. Methods Active duty GBM were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (2017 and 2018). Participants (n = 93) answered quantitative survey questions on PrEP interest and accessibility. Another set of participants (n = 10) discussed their PrEP experiences in qualitative interviews. We conducted descriptive and bivariate analyses of quantitative data, while qualitative data were analyzed using structural and descriptive coding techniques. Results Approximately 71% of active duty GBM indicated interest in accessing PrEP. A greater proportion of those who disclosed (vs. did not disclose) their sexual orientation to their military doctor discussed (p < 0.001) or accessed (p = 0.017) PrEP. The following qualitative themes emerged: (1) providers' negative views and knowledge gaps related to PrEP; (2) lack of a systems approach to PrEP access; (3) confidentiality concerns; and (4) reliance on peer networks for PrEP guidance and support. Conclusions Study results indicate that active duty GBM are interested in and want to discuss PrEP with their military doctors, but gaps in providers' PrEP-related knowledge and skills, as well as mistrust in the military health care system, remain. Policy Implications A system-wide approach that addresses confidentiality concerns and removes procedural barriers to PrEP access is recommended to improve PrEP uptake in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raiza M. Beltran
- Division of Infectious Diseases, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Ashley C. Schuyler
- School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR USA
| | - Cherie S. Blair
- Division of Infectious Diseases, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Jeremy T. Goldbach
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Carl A. Castro
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Ian W. Holloway
- Department of Social Welfare, School of Public Affairs, UCLA Luskin, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
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Moll J, Vennard D, Noto R, Moran T, Krieger P, Moreno-Walton L, Heron SL. The prevalence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender health education and training in emergency medicine residency programs: Where are we now? AEM EDUCATION AND TRAINING 2021; 5:e10580. [PMID: 33817541 PMCID: PMC8011615 DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite identified inequities and disparities in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) health, past studies have shown little or no education at the medical school or residency level for emergency physicians. With increased focus on health inequities and disparities, we sought to reexamine the status of sexual and gender minority health education in U.S. emergency medicine (EM) residencies. OBJECTIVES Our primary objective was to determine how many EM residencies offer education on LGBTQ+ health. Secondary objectives included the number of actual versus preferred hours of LGBTQ+ training, identification of barriers to providing education, and correlation of education with program demographics. Finally, we compared our current data with past results of our 2013 study. METHODS The initial survey that sought to examine LGBTQ+ training in 2013 was used and sent in 2020 via email to EM programs accredited by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education who had at least one full class of residents in 2019. Reminder emails and a reminder post on the Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine listserv were used to increase participation. RESULTS A total of 229 programs were eligible, with a 49.3% response rate (113/229). The majority (75%) offered education content on LGBTQ+ health, for a median (IQR) of 2 (1-3) hours and a range of 0 to 22 hours. Respondents preferred more hours of education than offered (median desired hours = 4, IQR = 2-5 hours; p < 0.001). The largest barrier identified was lack of time in curriculum (63%). The majority of programs had known LGBTQ+ faculty and residents. Inclusion and amount of education hours positively correlated with presence of LGBTQ+ faculty or residents; university- and county-based programs were more likely to deliver education content than private groups (p = 0.03). Awareness of known LGBTQ+ residents but not faculty differed by region, but there was no significant difference in actual or preferred content by region. CONCLUSION The majority of respondents offer education in sexual and gender minority health, although there remains a gap between actual and preferred hours. This is a notable increase from 26% of responding programs providing education in 2013. Several barriers still exist, and the content, impact, and completeness of education remain areas for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Moll
- Department of Emergency Medicine Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Richmond Virginia USA
| | - David Vennard
- Department of Emergency Medicine Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Richmond Virginia USA
| | - Rachel Noto
- Department of Emergency Medicine Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Richmond Virginia USA
| | - Timothy Moran
- Department of Emergency Medicine Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Paul Krieger
- Department of Emergency Medicine Mount Sinai Beth Israel New York New York USA
| | - Lisa Moreno-Walton
- Department of Emergency Medicine Louisiana State University New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Sheryl L Heron
- Department of Emergency Medicine Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
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5
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Sheddan AJ, Wood F. Use of an Evidence-Based Teaching Strategy to Improve Sexual Health Assessment Among Nurse Practitioners in the Retail Health Environment. J Nurse Pract 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Holloway IW, Green D, Pickering C, Wu E, Tzen M, Goldbach JT, Castro CA. Mental Health and Health Risk Behaviors of Active Duty Sexual Minority and Transgender Service Members in the United States Military. LGBT Health 2021; 8:152-161. [PMID: 33538639 PMCID: PMC8336224 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine health risk behaviors and mental health outcomes among sexual minority and transgender active duty military service members and their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Methods: Participants (N = 544) were recruited by using respondent-driven sampling between August 2017 and March 2018 and completed an online survey by using validated measures of cigarette smoking, alcohol use, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidality. Bayesian random intercept multiple logistic regressions were used to understand differences between sexual minority participants and heterosexual participants as well as between transgender participants and both their cisgender sexual minority and cisgender heterosexual peers. Results: Cisgender sexual minority women service members were more likely to meet criteria for problematic alcohol use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 10.11) and cigarette smoking (aOR = 7.12) than cisgender heterosexual women. Cisgender sexual minority men had greater odds of suicidality (aOR = 4.73) than their cisgender heterosexual counterparts. Transgender service members had greater odds of anxiety, PTSD, depression, and suicidality than their cisgender peers. Conclusion: Military researchers and policymakers who seek to improve the overall health and well-being of sexual minority and transgender service members should consider programs and policies that are tailored to specific health outcomes and unique sexual minority and transgender subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian W. Holloway
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Daniel Green
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Chad Pickering
- Department of Biostatistics, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- California Center for Population Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wu
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael Tzen
- California Center for Population Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jeremy T. Goldbach
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carl A. Castro
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Rambarran N, Goodman J, Simpson J. Providing Care to LGBT Patients in Guyana: An Assessment of Medical Providers' Knowledge, Attitudes and Readiness to Learn. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2020; 33:18-28. [PMID: 38596475 PMCID: PMC10807803 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2020.1846656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and desire for continued education among Guyanese doctors with regards to LGBT health. It utilized a mixed methodology of quantitative, self-administered online surveys among 90 doctors, and qualitative semi-structured individual interviews with 8 other doctors. Descriptive and analytic calculations were performed on the quantitative data while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. The results show moderate knowledge levels regarding LGBT health, with deficits in awareness of LGBT health disparities; generally nondiscriminatory attitudes; and suboptimal education on LGBT health. Further training and pre-service curricular changes are necessary to address gaps and improve competency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey Goodman
- LGBT Health Policy and Practice, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Fadus M, Hung K, Casoy F. Care Considerations for LGBTQ Patients in Acute Psychiatric Settings. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2020; 18:285-288. [PMID: 33162865 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20200002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Caring for any patient in psychiatric crisis in an acute care setting requires a keen understanding of risk assessment as well as creation and maintenance of a safe and therapeutic treatment environment. The long-term success of acute psychiatric care is also dependent on competent discharge planning. Yet, current psychiatric practices in acute care settings often fail to account for the unique barriers faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) patients, starting from the moment of arrival in the emergency room and continuing through discharge from the hospital. This article highlights best practices to address the needs of LGBTQ patients in acute psychiatric settings, including inclusive and affirming communication and culturally competent history taking, risk assessment, treatment environments, and discharge considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Fadus
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Fadus); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY (Hung); LGBT Committee, Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry (Casoy)
| | - Kenneth Hung
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Fadus); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY (Hung); LGBT Committee, Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry (Casoy)
| | - Flávio Casoy
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Fadus); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY (Hung); LGBT Committee, Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry (Casoy)
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9
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Nguyen TV. Update on Medical Education, Insurance Coverage, and Health Care Policy for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersexual, and Asexual Patients. Dermatol Clin 2020; 38:201-207. [PMID: 32115129 DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
There are important gaps in LGBTQIA knowledge, clinical competency, and cultural sensitivity, as well as attitudes among health care professionals, medical educators, and those in the public and insurance policy sectors. These are not only professional deficiencies but also perpetuate discrimination, limit access to health care, and lead to poor health outcomes. Research supports the notion that acquiring skills and knowledge through dedicated training programs leads to more compassionate and competent care for LGBTQIA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien Viet Nguyen
- Bellevue Dermatology Clinic, 1810 116th Avenue Northeast #100, Bellevue, WA 98004, USA.
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10
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Lindberg BM, Fulleborn ST, Semelrath KM, Lee RC, Nguyen DR. Steps to Improving Sexual and Gender Diversity Curricula in Undergraduate Medical Education. Mil Med 2019; 184:e190-e194. [PMID: 30137522 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usy190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Briana M Lindberg
- Department of Family Medicine, Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, NC
| | | | - Kevin M Semelrath
- Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD
| | - Rachael C Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD
| | - Dana R Nguyen
- Department of Family Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD
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Moll J, Krieger P, Heron SL, Joyce C, Moreno‐Walton L. Attitudes, Behavior, and Comfort of Emergency Medicine Residents in Caring for LGBT Patients: What Do We Know? AEM EDUCATION AND TRAINING 2019; 3:129-135. [PMID: 31008424 PMCID: PMC6457356 DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients are ubiquitous in emergency medicine (EM), little education is provided to EM physicians on LGBT health care needs and disparities. There is also limited information on EM physician behavior, comfort, and attitudes toward LGBT patients. The objective of this study was to assess EM residents behavior, comfort, and attitudes in LGBT health. METHODS An anonymous survey link was sent to EM programs via the Council of Residency Director listserv. The primary outcome of the 24-item descriptive survey was the self-reported comfort levels and self-reported practice in LGBT health care. Secondary outcomes included individual comfort toward LGBT colleagues and patients who are LGBT, and the frequency of colleagues making discriminatory statements toward LGBT patients and staff in the emergency department setting. Associations between personal and program demographics and survey responses were also examined. RESULTS There were 319 responses The majority of respondents were male (63.4%), Caucasian (69.1%), and heterosexual (92.4%). A sizeable minority of respondents felt histories and physical examinations were more challenging for lesbian, gay, or bisexual patients (24.6%) and more so for transgender patients (42.6%). Most residents do not ask patients to identify sexual orientation when presenting with abdominal or genital complaints (63%). Discriminatory LGBT comments were reported from both fellow residents (16.6%) and faculty (10%). A total of 2.5% of respondents were uncomfortable with other LGBT physicians, and 6% did not agree that LGBT patients deserve the same quality care as others. CONCLUSION A number of residents find caring for LGBT patients more challenging than heterosexual patients. Even with professed comfort with LGBT health care, most residents report taking incomplete sexual histories that may affect patient care. Attitudes toward LGBT patients are mainly, but not completely, positive in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Moll
- Department of Emergency MedicineVirginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondVA
| | - Paul Krieger
- Department of Emergency MedicineMount Sinai Beth Israel Medical CenterNew YorkNY
| | | | | | - Lisa Moreno‐Walton
- Department of MedicineSection of Emergency MedicineLouisiana State UniversityNew OrleansLA
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12
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Comparing medical, dental, and nursing students' preparedness to address lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer health. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204104. [PMID: 30235283 PMCID: PMC6147466 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) populations face multiple health disparities including barriers to healthcare. Few studies have examined healthcare trainees’ perceptions of their preparedness to care for LGBTQ populations and none have compared perceptions of training across medicine, dental medicine, and nursing. We aimed to understand variations across disciplines in LGBTQ health by assessing medical, dental, and nursing students’ perceptions of preparedness across three domains: comfort levels, attitudes, and formal training. Methods We developed a 12-item survey with an interprofessional panel of LGBTQ students from the schools of medicine, dental medicine, and nursing at a top-tier private university in the United States. Any student enrolled full time in any of the three schools were eligible to respond. We performed descriptive statistical analyses and examined patterns in responses using Kruskal-Wallis tests and an ordered logistic regression model. Results 1,010 students from the Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Nursing responded to the survey for an overall response rate of 43%. While 70–74% of all student respondents felt comfortable treating LGBTQ patients, fewer than 50% agreed that their formal training had prepared them to do so. Overall, 71–81% of students reported interest in receiving formal LGBTQ health education, though dental students were significantly less likely than medical students to report this interest (OR 0.53, p<0.01). Respondents who identified as LGBQ were significantly less likely than heterosexual students to agree that training was effective (OR 0.55, p<0.01) and that their instructors were competent in LGBTQ health (OR 0.56, p<0.01). Conclusion Despite high comfort levels and positive attitudes towards LGBTQ health, most student respondents did not report adequate formal preparation. There were some significant differences between disciplines, but significant gaps in training exist across disciplines. Health professional schools should develop formal content on LGBTQ health and utilize this content as an opportunity for interprofessional training.
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