Time to Shine the Light

A Call to Disrupt Heteronormativity and Cisnormativity in Physical Therapy: Perspectives of 2SLGBTQIPA+ Participants on Future Directions for PT Curricula

Purpose

To explore the perspectives of individuals with self-reported expertise and/or lived experiences regarding aspects of 2SLGBTQIPA+ health that should be included in pre-licensure physical therapy (PT) curricula across Canada, including how, when, and by whom this content should be delivered.

Method

We conducted a critical qualitative, cross-sectional study with semi-structured virtual interviews. We analyzed participants' perspectives thematically using the DEPICT method.

Results

Thirteen participants across Canada with a variety of gender identities and sexual orientations were interviewed. Participants described how transformative change on 2SLGBTQIPA+ issues in PT requires an approach that is based on interrupting heteronormativity and cisnormativity in PT curricula. Participants explained how this could be achieved by (1) emphasizing both historical inequities and present-day considerations for safe and inclusive practice, (2) introducing the content early and integrating it throughout the programme using a variety of large- and small-group sessions, and (3) including 2SLGBTQIPA+ individuals in content delivery and creation.

Conclusions

This study brings attention to the need for the PT profession to understand how the pervasive social structures of heteronormativity and cisnormativity shape education and practice, and offer strategies for disrupting complicity with these systems of inequality.

Physiotherapists vary in their knowledge of and approach to working with patients who are LGBTQIA+: a qualitative study

QUESTION

What are the attitudes, beliefs and knowledge gaps of physiotherapists in Australia regarding working with patients who identify as LGBTQIA+?

DESIGN

Qualitative design using a custom online survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Physiotherapists currently practising in Australia.

METHODS

Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 273 participants met the eligibility criteria. Participating physiotherapists were predominantly female (73%), aged between 22 and 67 years, residing in a large Australian city (77%) and working in musculoskeletal physiotherapy (57%), in private practice (50%) and hospital (33%) settings. Almost 6% self-identified as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Only 4% of the participants had received training related to healthcare interactions or cultural safety for working with patients who identify as LGBTQIA+ in the context of physiotherapy. Three main themes regarding approaches to physiotherapy management were identified: treating the whole person in context, treating everyone the same, and treating the body part. Gaps in knowledge were primarily related to understandings of the relevance of sexual orientation and gender identity to physiotherapy and health issues specific to LGBTQIA+ patients.

CONCLUSION

Physiotherapists can be considered to approach gender identity and sexual orientation in three distinct ways and suggest a range of knowledge and attitudes about working with patients who identify as LGBTQIA+. Physiotherapists who consider gender identity and sexual orientation to be relevant to physiotherapy consultations appear to have higher levels of knowledge and understanding of this topic and may also understand physiotherapy as multifactorial and not only biomedical.