Stakeholders Inform an LGBTQIA+ Health Best Practices Learning Module for Nursing Students
Brenda Cassidy, Andrea Fischl, Alexa Fasone, Betty Braxter- General Nursing
Introduction:
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.
Methods:
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.
Results:
Three overarching themes emerged from focus group discussions ( n = 31): appropriate terminology, health disparities, and respectful communication.
Discussion:
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.