Date Available

4-21-2024

Year of Publication

2024

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advisor

Dr. Holly Stith

Committee Member

Dr. Anthony Carney

Co-Director of Graduate Studies

Dr. Shannon King

Abstract

Background: There is a need for improved healthcare staff and provider knowledge and confidence when treating the LGBTQ population, as many healthcare providers are insufficiently prepared to treat LGBTQ patients (Rowe et al., 2017). This population is at greater risk for mental illness, substance use, and physical illness than the general population due to societal factors such as minority stress and stigma (Cochran et al., 2004; Cochran & Mays 2007; Cochran et al., 2003; Meyer, 2003). Purpose: The purpose of this project is to educate healthcare staff and providers about the LGBTQ population to improve their knowledge and confidence when treating the LGBTQ patient population, and improve the care LGBTQ patients receive as a result. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with two groups was utilized. At an outpatient ambulatory department of the University of Kentucky Medical Center, patients were surveyed prior to implementation of the project to evaluate baseline data on patient experience, then staff were surveyed about their confidence and knowledge regarding the LGBTQ population. Staff received a web-based education after completing the survey. After the conclusion of the intervention period which lasted one month, staff and a new group of patients were surveyed. Results: The pre-intervention patient group had 30 participants and post-intervention patient group had 30 participants with fewer straight or heterosexual patients in the post-intervention group. The staff group had 31 participants in the pre-intervention group and 30 participants in the post-intervention group. There were statistically significant improvements among staff knowledge and confidence in treating the LGBTQ population among 5 of 6 measures, and statistically significant improvements in assessment of preferred name, gender identity, and pronouns from 3.53 (SD = 1.68) pre-intervention to 4.53 (SD = 0.73) post-intervention (p=.005), 2 and sexual orientation from a mean of 1.37 (SD = 1.03) pre-intervention and 4.50 (SD = 1.08) post-intervention (p=

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