Stakeholders Inform an LGBTQIA+ Health Best Practices Learning Module for Nursing Students

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) summons nurse educators to address health care inequities by preparing leaders who advocate for vulnerable groups. A lack of academic guidelines promoting cultural competence in nursing with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, and asexual and/or aromantic (LGBTQIA+) individuals exist. The purpose of this study was to develop a learning module for health care providers about best practices in LGBTQIA+ health informed by key stakeholders.

Exploratory qualitative design utilized focus group methodology obtaining stakeholder's views on LGBTQIA+ health, with a convenience sample recruited from a large public university. Focus group thematic analysis informed development of the learning module.

Three overarching themes emerged from focus group discussions (n = 31): appropriate terminology, health disparities, and respectful communication.

This project addresses an educational gap in nursing curriculum using an interactive online module, introducing key concepts about LGBTQIA+ health. Future research focused on the development of standards of care for LGBTQIA+ individuals can support inclusion and reduce discrimination in health care settings.