Profile

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Associate Professor and Director Pediatric and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing
cassb@pitt.edu | (412) 735-6273

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Development of a Learning Module on Best Practices in LGBTQIA+ Health and Changes in Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Behavior in Nursing Students

Brenda Cassidy, DNP, RN, MSN, CPNP-PC, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing

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Co-Author(s)
Betty Braxter, PhD, RN, CNM, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing Andrea Fischl, PhD, CRNP, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing

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Abstract
Background AACN issued a position statement on Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity in Academic Nursing to accelerate initiatives preparing nurses to meet the needs of diverse populations. However, there is a lack of guidelines for curricula that promote nursing competency in LGBTQIA+ individuals. Stigma and discrimination are associated with adverse health outcomes among LGBTQIA+ individuals. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to face discrimination in the health care arena due to their presumed or actual sexual practices.

Purpose Our project utilized an innovative approach engaging stakeholders to inform learning module content for nursing students about best practices in LGBTQIA+ health and aimed to examine changes in knowledge, attitudes and clinical preparedness towards LGBTQIA+ individuals after accessing the module.

Methods A mixed-methods design utilized focus group methodology to inform development of the module followed by pre-post-test with nursing students who accessed the module.

Results Three themes emerged from focus group discussions with nursing students/faculty, LGBTQIA+ individuals and providers caring for LGBTQIA+ community (n=26): terminology, health disparities and respectful communication. Analysis indicates significant changes in attitudes (p = 0.012), knowledge (p = 0.000) and clinical preparedness (p = 0.000) after accessing learning module on best practices in LGBTQIA+ health (n=49).

Conclusion Sharing innovative educational platforms based on evidence-based findings with faculty is crucial to incorporate LGBTQIA+ health in nursing programs. Integrating culturally competent care of this population in nursing curricula can potentially increase knowledge, decrease negative attitudes and better prepare nursing students when caring for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

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Biography
Dr. Cassidy is an active clinician as a faculty preceptor at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Division of Adolescent Medicine serving under-represented and sexual and gender minority youth. She serves as a member of AACN Diversity Inclusion and Equity Workgroup, the University of Pittsburgh Equity Inclusion Diversity and Anti-discrimination Committee and chairs the school of Nursing DEI Committee. She has conducted funded educational research to enhance nursing curriculum on Best Practices in LGBTQIA+ health. Dr. Cassidy has presented locally, regionally and nationally on use of innovative education strategies that serve to improve the health outcomes of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

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