The Case of Ty Jackson: An Interactive Module on LGBT Health Employing Introspective Techniques and Video-Based Case Discussion

LGBTQ+ health education for medical students in the United States: a narrative literature review

INTRODUCTION

People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and other sexual/gender minorities (LGBTQ+) may experience discrimination when seeking healthcare. Medical students should be trained in inclusive and affirming care for LGBTQ+ patients. This narrative literature review explores the landscape of interventions and evaluations related to LGBTQ+ health content taught in medical schools in the USA and suggests strategies for further curriculum development.

METHODS

PubMed, ERIC, and Education Research Complete databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed articles on LGBTQ+ health in medical student education in the USA published between 1 January 2011-6 February 2023. Articles were screened for eligibility and data was abstracted from all eligible articles. Data abstraction included the type of intervention or evaluation, sample population and size, and key outcomes.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-four articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. This includes 6 (4.5%) that evaluate existing curriculum, 77 (57.5%) study the impact of curriculum components and interventions, 36 (26.9%) evaluate student knowledge and learning experiences, and 15 (11.2%) describe the development of broad learning objectives and curriculum. Eight studies identified student knowledge gaps related to gender identity and affirming care and these topics were covered in 34 curriculum interventions.

CONCLUSION

Medical student education is important to address health disparities faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and has been an increasingly studied topic in the USA. A variety of curriculum interventions at single institutions show promise in enhancing student knowledge and training in LGBTQ+ health. Despite this, multiple studies indicate that students report inadequate education on certain topics with limitations in their knowledge and preparedness to care for LGBTQ+ patients, particularly transgender and gender diverse patients. Additional integration of LGBTQ+ curriculum content in areas of perceived deficits could help better prepare future physicians to care for LGBTQ+ patients and populations.

Sexual and gender minority health: a roadmap for developing evidence-based medical school curricula

Background

Educating future physicians about sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients and their health care needs is an important way to mitigate discrimination and health disparities faced by this community. Canada, across its 17 medical schools, lacks a national standard for teaching this essential topic. This paper aims to review the best practices for teaching an SGM curriculum in undergraduate medical education and synthesize this information into actionable propositions for curriculum development.

Methods

A scoping literature review was conducted to identify best practices for SGM teaching. The review elicited peer-reviewed and grey literature on best practices for SGM teaching, policy documents, and opinion pieces from medical education authorities and SGM advocacy groups. Through an iterative process with all authors, the Canadian Queer Medical Students Association (CQMSA), and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), a set of propositions was developed.

Results

The search yielded 1347 papers, of which 89 were kept for data extraction. The main outcomes of these papers were sorted along five repeating themes, which formed the basis for six propositions; two more propositions were then added after discussion with all authors.

Conclusion

We present eight propositions for the development of a national standard for SGM education at the undergraduate medical level. These include standardizing learning objectives across all schools, using established curricular models to guide curriculum development, interweaving concepts across all levels of training, diversifying teaching modalities, providing faculty training, ensuring a safe space for SGM students and faculty, using OSCEs as a teaching tool, and involving the local SGM community in curriculum development and delivery.

Delivering transgender-specific knowledge and skills into health and allied health studies and training: a systematic review

Many transgender individuals face inequities, discrimination, and sometimes even a lack of transgender-specific knowledge in health care settings. Educational curricula can address such disparities and help future health professionals to become more knowledgeable, confident, and well-prepared for addressing the needs of transgender individuals. This systematic review aims to summarize current training interventions about care of transgender individuals for health and allied health students, and to analyse the effects of the respective intervention. A total of six databases (Pubmed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and SciSearch) were screened for original articles published between 2017 and June 2021. Search terms and eligibility criteria were pre-specified, and after a structured selection process 21 studies were included into further analysis. Extracted data contained information on general study properties, population, design, program format and outcomes of interest. A narrative synthesis was used to summarize detected results. Study quality was assessed for each individual study. A self-developed 18-item checklist combining criteria of two prior published tools was used to assess overall quality of quantitative studies. For qualitative studies a 10-item checklist by Kmet et al. [HTA Initiat, 2004] was applied. Eligible studies were designed for multiple health or allied health profession students, and varied widely regarding program format, duration, content, and assessed outcomes. Almost all (N = 19) interventions indicated improvements in knowledge, attitude, confidence and comfort levels or practical skills concerning care for transgender clients. Major limitations included the lack of long-term data, validated assessment tools, control groups and comparative studies. Training interventions contribute to prepare future health professionals to deliver competent and sensitive care and which may improve the prospective experienced health care reality of transgender individuals. However, currently there is no common consensus about best practice of education. Additionally, little is known about whether detected effects of training interventions translate into noticeable improvements for transgender clients. Further studies are warranted to assess the direct impact of specific interventions in the light of the respective target populations.

Effectiveness of undergraduate medical students training on LGBTQIA + people health: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Adequacy of learning models and their ability to engage students and match session's objectives are critical factors in achieving the desired outcome. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assess the methodological approach, content, and effectiveness of training initiatives addressing medical students' knowledge, attitudes, confidence and discrimination perception towards LGBTQIA + people.

METHOD

PubMed, Web of Science, Medline and Scopus were searched to identify published studies, from 2013 to 2023, on effectiveness of training initiatives addressing medical students' knowledge, attitudes, confidence and discrimination perception towards LGBTQIA + people. The risk of bias of the selected studies was assessed by the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument. Overall effect sizes were calculated using a Mantel-Haenszel method, fixed effect meta-analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies were included, representing 2,164 medical students. The interventions were highly diverse and included seminars, lectures, videos, real-case discussions, roleplay, and group discussions with people from the LGBTQIA + community. After the interventions, there was a significant improvement in self-confidence and comfort interacting with patients and in the understanding of the unique and specific health concerns experienced by LGBTQIA + patients.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that the outcomes of interventions training actions for medical students that promote knowledge and equity regarding LGBTQIA + people, regardless of their scope, methodology and duration, result in a considerable increase in students' self-confidence and comfort interacting with LGBTQIA + patients, highlight the need for more actions and programs in this area promoting a more inclusive society and greater equity.

Changing the Landscape of Remediation: The Creation and Implementation of an Institution-Wide Graduate Medical Education Performance Enhancement Program

Purpose Remediation is a daunting process for both residency leadership and trainees due to several factors including limited time and resources, variable processes, and negative stigma. Our objective was to transform the remediation process by creating a transparent institution-wide program that collates tools/resources, interdepartmental faculty mentors, and positive rebranding. Methods Education leadership across seven specialties created a process for trainees with professionalism and interpersonal-communication skills deficiencies. Formalized departmental program-based improvement plan (PIP) and an institutional house staff performance enhancement plan (HPEP) were developed by consensus of triggers/behaviors. Utilizing published literature, a toolkit was created and implemented. Trainees were enrolled in HPEP if PIP was unsuccessful or exhibited ≥1 major trigger. Wellness evaluations were incorporated into the process to screen for external contributing factors. Surveys were sent to the program director (PD), faculty mentor, and trainee one month and six months after participation. Results Between 2018 and 2021, 12 trainees were enrolled. Overall feedback from PDs and the trainees was positive. The main challenge was finding mutual time for the faculty mentor and trainee to meet. Six-month surveys reported no relapses in unprofessionalism. One-year follow-up of the trainees was limited. Conclusions Utilizing an institution-wide standardized process of performance improvement with the removal of negative stereotyping is a unique approach to remediation. Initial feedback is promising, and future outcome data are necessary to assess the utility. The HPEP may be adopted by other academic institutions and may shift the attitudes about remediation and allow trainees to see the process as an opportunity for professional growth.

Inclusive LGBTQIA+ healthcare: An interprofessional case-based experience for cultural competency awareness

Introduction

Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) patients report experiences of discrimination within healthcare settings due to a lack of provider knowledge and biases of healthcare workers. There is an identified need among all health professions to provide more culturally competent healthcare for this community. Early interventions during healthcare profession training programs may be effective to address this need. The overall goal of this study was to assess the educational impact of an active learning session that was specifically designed to enhance LGBTQIA+ cultural competency awareness using an interprofessional setting.

Methods

This 2-year study involved students from 16 healthcare professional programs joining virtually to form interprofessional teams. A small group case-based learning approach was used and included pre/post-activity surveys to measure the change in student attitude and confidence, as well as the change in perception of the importance of the activity.

Results

Results indicate an increase in perception of importance (p < 0.005) and in overall level of confidence (p < 0.001) with respect to LGBTQIA+ issues post-session. Key themes established through the session represent an overall recognition of the importance of interprofessional education and awareness of LGBTQIA+ healthcare needs.

Discussion

The results demonstrate the effectiveness of a case-based approach for enhancing cultural competency awareness across different healthcare professions programs. This session also provided an interprofessional learning environment to allow multiple healthcare professions program students to interact and share perspectives. The positive impact of this intervention in a highly collaborative virtual learning environment also highlights that this immersive active learning approach that can be adopted across different programs and institutions.

A systematic mapping literature review of education around sexual and gender diversities

Education around sexual and gender identities is highly important to understand diversity and prevent discrimination, violence, and even murder. Nevertheless, educational institutions around the world are lacking a curriculum that explicitly includes diversity and acknowledges the LGBTQ+ community, a minority that over the years has been facing consequences from this exclusion. This study presents a detailed description of the process applied to analyze the studies using a systematic mapping literature review, as well as the positive results found from those educational institutions that started their path to inclusion around sexual and gender diversities through their curricula. The research questions targeted in this work are: What is being taught in educational institutions regarding sexual and gender diversities? What are the approaches used inside the classrooms to teach sexual and gender diversities? Which students are receiving education regarding sexual and gender diversities? Is there a technological approach and/or tool used to teach sexual and gender diversities? After applying the filtering processes, 69 studies were selected from five different online libraries: ACM, DOAJ, Lens.org, SCOPUS, and SpringerLink. The conclusions made from the findings of this review are that those studies that do tackle concerns around the topic have proven to benefit the LGBTQ+ community, the education around sexual and gender diversities predominates within the healthcare field, there are a lack of studies around this topic in Latin American countries, and technological tools are minimally used during the teaching processes.

Affirming and Inclusive Care Training for Medical Students and Residents to Reducing Health Disparities Experienced by Sexual and Gender Minorities: A Systematic Review

Purpose

Providing inclusive and comprehensive gender-affirming care is critical to reducing health disparities (gaps in care) experienced by sexual and gender minorities (SGM). Currently, little is known about how medical students and residents are being trained to address the health needs of SGM persons or of the most effective methods.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the research literature from 2000 to 2020 on the effectiveness of teaching medical students and residents on knowledge, attitudes, and skills in addressing the health of SGM persons and the strength of the research sample, design, and methods used.

Results

We identified a total of 36 articles that assessed the impact of medical student and resident education on knowledge, comfort, attitudes, confidence, and skills in working with SGM patients. All studies utilized quasi-experimental designs, and found efficacious results. No study examined the impact of training on patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Future studies will need to be powered and designed to assess the impact of training on patient outcomes.

Attitudes and Knowledge of Medical Students Towards Healthcare for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Seniors: Impact of a Case-Based Discussion With Facilitators From the Community

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) seniors are generally a medically underserved population that faces unique healthcare challenges. When compared to younger patients, LGBT seniors are at a greater risk for social isolation and have higher rates of smoking, disability, physical and mental distress, and lack of access to healthcare services. They are often reluctant to discuss their sexual orientations and gender identities with healthcare providers due to fear of discrimination and receiving inferior care based on prior unsatisfactory experiences with untrained or insensitive healthcare providers. Furthermore, recent research has revealed that only about 50% of primary care providers indicated confidence in providing culturally competent LGBT healthcare, highlighting the need for more LGBT proficiency training in medical school curricula.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide early intervention training to first-year medical students regarding best practices for equitable healthcare for LGBT seniors through integrative, small group, case-based discussions. The impact of this activity on the knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding LGBT healthcare was also assessed.

Methods: First-year medical students participated in a two-hour small group, case-based discussion. Each group consisted of seven to eight students with one of seven facilitators who were invited members of the LGBT community. Students were provided with two clinical case scenarios related to treatment of LGBT senior patients. Students were given a pre/post-session knowledge and attitude survey to assess the impact of the session on their attitudes and understanding of the importance of providing equitable healthcare to LGBT patients. A rubric was also used by facilitators to evaluate level of student engagement and professionalism.

Results: A total of 51 first-year medical students attended the session and 38 (74.5%) completed the pre/post surveys. There was diverse representation in our student demographic with 5.2% of respondents identifying as LGBT. Survey results showed a significant increase in knowledge confidence and attitudes following the session. Students’ attitudes regarding determinants of health status changed significantly for nine of the 13 (69%) survey items. In addition, their confidence in knowledge regarding healthcare barriers, health issues, and practices for LGBT culturally competent care significantly increased post-session. Data from our assessment rubrics also show that students were highly professional and engaged with the LGBT facilitators.

Conclusion: Our study provides some evidence that case-based training of medical students regarding issues that affect health of LGBT seniors can improve attitudes and sensitize them to the unique needs of this population. Through this activity, the students indicated their desire to learn more about the topics covered and to receive further training in this field of study. While the study was somewhat limited by a small participant number, the significance of the data demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach involving members of the LGBT community as facilitators. Future work with these students as part of a longitudinal curriculum will include additional LGBT proficiency training to be offered in the subsequent blocks of instruction. Additionally, this intervention could potentially be adapted by other medical schools.

Early Intervention for LGBTQ Health: A 10-Hour Curriculum for Preclinical Health Professions Students

INTRODUCTION

Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) face significant health disparities and barriers to accessing care. Patients have reported provider lack of knowledge as one of the key barriers to culturally responsive, clinically competent care. Many US and Canadian medical schools still offer few curricular hours dedicated to LGBTQ-related topics, and medical students continue to feel unprepared to care for LGBTQ patients.

METHODS

We developed a 10-hour LGBTQ health curriculum for preclinical medical and physician assistant students. The curriculum included lectures and case-based small-group discussions covering LGBTQ terminology, inclusive sexual history taking, primary care and health maintenance, and transition-related care. It also included a panel discussion with LGBTQ community members and a small-group practice session with standardized patients. Students were surveyed before and after completing the curriculum to assess for increases in confidence and knowledge related to LGBTQ-specific care.

RESULTS

Forty first- and second-year medical students completed the sessions and provided valid responses on pre- and postcourse surveys. Nearly all students initially felt unprepared to sensitively elicit information, summarize special health needs and primary care recommendations, and identify community resources for LGBTQ individuals. There was significant improvement in students' confidence in meeting these objectives after completion of the five sessions. Knowledge of LGBTQ health issues increased minimally, but there was a significant increase in knowledge of LGBTQ-related terminology.

DISCUSSION

Our 10-hour LGBTQ health curriculum was effective at improving medical students' self-confidence in working with LGBTQ patients but was less effective at increasing LGBTQ-related medical knowledge.

The Case of Sean Smith: A Three-Part Interactive Module on Transgender Health for Second-Year Medical Students

INTRODUCTION

While great strides have been made in favor of the LGBT community overall, transgender individuals are still facing many legal challenges and suffer from more marked health issues and disparities compared to other members of the LGBT community. Our multimodal transgender curriculum was designed in accordance with the Kern model to address educational gaps in the area of transgender health.

METHODS

This three-part module consists of: (1) a didactic PowerPoint presentation reviewing unique health issues and disparities experienced by transgender patients, (2) a small-group session viewing and analyzing a pair of videos showcasing competent and poor communication between a provider and a transgender patient, and (3) a large-group patient panel featuring members of the transgender community.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-one students returned pre- and postworkshop surveys with 123 matched pairs. When comparing participants reported pre- and postworkshop confidence levels, the mean rating increased significantly for all three learning objectives. Based on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = poor, 5 = excellent), participants' mean ratings were highest for the patient panel at 4.5, compared to 3.9 for the large-group didactic lecture, and 3.8 for the small-group video session.

DISCUSSION

The use of this multimodal approach using a didactic session, video-based case discussion, and patient panel provided a strong foundation and primer for transgender health and resulted in an increase in learner confidence in module objectives regarding care for the transgender community.