Purpose: To examine the impact of a single didactic session on short-term knowledge acquisition and long-term knowledge retention of principles related to LGBTQ healthcare.
Background: Individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) compose an estimated 1.1-3.8% of the population. Despite significant legal and societal advances, disparities persist in LGBTQ health care education, delivery, and outcomes. Multiple national medical organizations have produced initiatives emphasizing the development of educational resources to address these disparities.
Methods: A prospective observational study was performed. Knowledge acquisition was examined by a written survey, including 5 semantic differential scale and 5 multiple-choice questions. The survey was provided prior to and after a didactic session, then again four weeks later. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Statistics were analyzed using Graph Pad Prism 8 Software (San Diego, CA).
Results: Comparing summed scores, immediate pre and post results (n=63) showed significant improvement across both semantic differential scale (5.7-7.78; p-value 0.00005) and multiple-choice (71%-91%; p-value 0.0004) questions. The 4-week post results (n=33) showed knowledge degradation, but significant improvement when compared to pre-test (5.7-7.21; p-value 0.01, 71%-86%; p-value 0.0095). The most significant improvements were in knowledge of LGBTQ community resources (3.9-7.6-6.4; p-value < 0.00001) and options for gender affirmation (51%-73%-69%; p-value < 0.00001).
Discussions: As medical curricula continue to evolve to address the needs of the LGBTQ population, this study indicates that a single didactic session may significantly improve provider knowledge about LGBTQ health care. This should result in improvements in awareness and communication, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2020, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, GME, CME, Lecture, Public Health, Advocacy, General Ob-Gyn, Sexuality,
Connor Biskamp, MD; UT Health San Antonio; Alejandro Lozano, MD; Patrick Ramsey, MD, MSPH
