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

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals face healthcare discrimination due to provider bias and lack of knowledge.
• Culturally competent healthcare is essential for the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Early interventions in healthcare training can address these needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the educational impact of an active learning session on LGBTQIA+ cultural competency awareness.
• To evaluate changes in student attitudes, confidence, and perception of importance regarding LGBTQIA+ healthcare issues.
• To explore the effectiveness of interprofessional education in enhancing cultural competency.

Main Methods:

• A 2-year study involving students from 16 healthcare professional programs in virtual interprofessional teams.
• Utilized a small group, case-based learning approach.
• Administered pre/post-activity surveys to measure changes in attitude, confidence, and perceived importance.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in the perception of importance (p < 0.005) and confidence levels (p < 0.001) regarding LGBTQIA+ issues post-session.
• Students recognized the importance of interprofessional education and LGBTQIA+ healthcare needs.
• The session fostered an understanding of the unique healthcare requirements of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Conclusions:

• A case-based active learning approach effectively enhances cultural competency awareness in healthcare students.
• Interprofessional collaboration in a virtual setting positively impacts LGBTQIA+ cultural competency.
• This immersive learning model is adaptable across various healthcare programs and institutions.