An unmet need for paediatric LGBTQ training

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth face significant health disparities.
• Discrimination and inadequate provider training exacerbate these health risks.
• Current graduate medical education lacks specific training requirements for LGBTQ health, especially in pediatrics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge, comfort levels, and awareness of community resources among healthcare providers regarding LGBTQ youth.
• To identify gaps in graduate medical education concerning pediatric LGBTQ health.

Main Methods:

• Two anonymous surveys were administered to residents, trainees, and faculty.
• Survey 1 (n=30) assessed awareness of community resources and referral comfort.
• Survey 2 (n=78) evaluated knowledge and comfort in pediatric LGBTQ health topics.

Main Results:

• Most residents lacked knowledge of resources for mental health, transgender care, and support services for LGBTQ youth.
• Trainees and faculty demonstrated limited knowledge on crucial topics like HIV prevention, gender dysphoria, and transitioning.
• Provider comfort in eliciting sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual practices was notably low.

Conclusions:

• A significant need and demand exist for dedicated pediatric LGBTQ health training within graduate medical education.
• Healthcare providers require enhanced resources and training to effectively care for LGBTQ youth.