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The Impact of Positive Space Training on Students' Communication With LGBTTQ+ Communities
Roya Haghiri-Vijeh1, Tara McCulloch, Lynda Atack
1About the Authors Roya Haghiri-Vijeh, MN, RN, is a PhD student and professor of nursing, Centennial College, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. Tara McCulloch, MA(ed), RN, is a professor of nursing, Centennial College. Lynda Atack, PhD, RN, is a professor of nursing (retired), Centennial College. Gabriel Bedard, MA, is a global citizenship and equity learning advisor. This study was supported by a Centennial College Applied Research and Innovation Award. The authors acknowledge the contributions of Natalie Oakwell-Morgan, research assistant. For more information, write to Roya Haghiri-Vijeh at rhaghiri-vijeh@centennialcollege.ca.
Abstract:
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, and queer (LGBTTQ+) communities have experienced discrimination from nurses and other health care professionals, resulting in health inequity. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of positive space training on students' knowledge and comfort level with LGBTTQ+ communities. A quasi-experimental study with surveys and focus groups was conducted with 160 students. All participants perceived an increase in knowledge and comfort in communicating with LGBTTQ+ people after training. Positive space training can be part of the bank of learning strategies we offer students to increase their knowledge and comfort when interacting with LGBTTQ+ communities.