The Effect of a Cultural Competency Training Program for Healthcare Providers and their Attitudes, Knowledge and Clinical Preparedness with LGBTQ+ Patients

Abstract

Stigma, discrimination, and violence are key contributors to mental health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community (CDC, 2023a). LGBTQ+ patients’ frequently report unequal care and negative healthcare experiences, often due to healthcare providers’ lack of knowledge and training on LGBTQ+ health needs (Cassanova-Perez et al., 2022; Montero et al., 2024). Culturally competent care should address structural inequalities, avoid stigmatization, and meet the specific needs of this population (Bass & Nagy, 2023). While LGBTQ+ cultural competency training has shown positive outcomes in mental health settings, similar research in the ambulatory care setting is limited (Prepping et al., 2018; Craig et al., 2021).This project aimed to assess the effect of a cultural competency training program on ambulatory healthcare providers attitudes, knowledge and clinical preparedness towards LGBTQ+ patients. A quantitative quasi-experimental study was utilized to evaluate pre- and post-intervention LGBT-DOCSS and OMS-HC survey findings amongst a sample of 40 ambulatory healthcare providers in New Jersey. Inferential statistical analysis comparing pre and post intervention data demonstrated quantitative evidence of statistically significant improvement in healthcare providers’ knowledge (p<0.001) and clinical preparedness (p =0.002) towards LGBTQ+ patients. Overall improvement was also noted amongst LGBT-DOCSS findings, (p<0.001). These findings suggest that the LGBTQ+ cultural competency educational intervention is an effective and safe training program for ambulatory healthcare providers. Further recommendations to leverage this education include longitudinal integration of the intervention throughout the healthcare system. Ongoing interprofessional collaboration will be needed to continue to refine the training and ensure that up to date evidence-based practice is maintained over time.