Unpublished Dissertation, Wilmington University, 2023/01, , type of study: ,css,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

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Keywords:

cross sectional study [894]
curriculum [301]
LGBTQ [5]
osteopathic medicine [2109]
USA [1752]

Abstract:

Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, aromantic, and other sexual and gender identities (LGBTQIA+) communities are more likely to have poor health compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts (Krehely, 2009; National Academy of Medicine, 2011). Of the 7.2% of American adults identifying as LGBTQIA+ (Jones, 2023), 30% will not seek healthcare due to a mistrust of healthcare providers (Quinn et al., 2015). If they do seek healthcare, there is a shortage of professionals with a working knowledge of LGBTQIA+ health concerns (Banwari et al., 2015; Dahan et al., 2008; Obedin-Maliver et al., 2011; Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2010; Park & Katz, 2018; Quinn et al., 2015; Westerståhl et al., 2008; Zelin et al., 2018). In this study, eight current second-, third-, and fourth-year osteopathic medical school students from the United States completed a set of online modules about LGBTQIA+ health and health concerns based on a course created by Minturn et al. (2021). Analysis of anonymous, matched pre- and post-tests revealed a statistically significant (p < .05) increase in confidence levels across seven statements about working with LGBTQIA+ patients and a minimal change in knowledge acquisition across five LGBTQIA+ health concerns questions. Each participant suggested pre-clinical curriculum at their school should include similar course material. The results confirm that medical education needs to incorporate more LGBTQIA+ healthcare information in pre-clinical curricula to protect a large portion of patients.