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Staff competence in caring for LGBTQ+ patients in the paediatric emergency department
Sean T Kelleher1, Michael J Barrett2,3, Sheena Durnin2,4
1Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the competency of paediatric emergency department (PED) multidisciplinary staff in caring for LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, + inclusive of all identities) adolescents.
Design:
This was an observational study within which participants were required to complete the LGBT-Development of Clinical Skills Scale self-assessment tool of clinical competence.
Setting:
It was conducted across three PEDs and one urgent care centre pertaining to the Children's Health Ireland healthcare group.
Participants:
Doctors, nurses and healthcare workers were eligible to participate.
Exclusion Criteria:
non-front facing staff; prior completion of an eLearning module intended to serve as a future educational intervention.
Main Outcome Measures:
Participants were assessed on: (1) attitudinal awareness towards LGBTQ+ individuals; (2) knowledge of LGBTQ+ health issues and (3) clinical preparedness in caring for LGBTQ+ patients. Each domain is scored out of a maximum of 7 points.
Results:
71 eligible participants completed the study. 40/71 (56%) were doctors, and 31/71 (44%) were nurses. The mean score for attitudinal awareness was 6.54/7 (SD 0.59), indicating overall positive attitudes. The mean score for knowledge was lower (5.34/7, SD 1.03) and lowest for clinical preparedness (3.39/7, SD 0.94). Participants were less confident in caring for transgender than LGB patients and scored very low when asked if they had received adequate training in caring for transgender young people (2.11/7).
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates positive attitudes towards LGBTQ+ patients among PED staff. However, there was a gap in knowledge and clinical preparedness. Increased training in caring for LGBTQ+ young people is necessary.
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