DNP Research Spotlight #4: Delivering Culturally Competent Care to the LGBT Population

In this fourth installment of our series highlighting recent research from our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, we look at Evan M. McEwing’s inquiry into the delivery of culturally competent care to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender population.

Purpose: To this day, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities still experience negative health outcomes due to social stigma and discrimination. Additionally, nursing has lagged behind other health professions in the promotion of culturally competent care to members of this minority group. Several national authorities on LGBT health have proposed guidelines for providing such care to the LGBT population; however, many nursing schools are not integrating these recommendations into their curricula.

Methods: Using these national guidelines, an educational program was developed for BSN students at a large south Florida university to improve competency in providing care for LGBT individuals. The goal was to improve nursing providers’ attitudes, knowledge and skills in the care of the LGBT community. 120 BSN students completed online modules regarding LGBT health disparities and a disaster simulation requiring the placement of a transgender individual in proper emergency housing. Participants were surveyed pre- and post- intervention as well as one month after to assess if any changes observed had persisted.

Results: Overall cultural competence scores increased significantly from baseline to post-test and did not decline significantly at one month follow-up. Notable improvements in the instrument sub-scales (knowledge, skills, and awareness) were also noted. Finally, both the presenter and the program received positive ratings regarding the usefulness of the program and its applicability to nursing practice.

Conclusion: Educational content focused on providing culturally competent care for LGBT individuals may lead to improvements in providers’ awareness, skills, and knowledge about the unique needs of the LGBT population.

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