982 Point of contact: LGBTQ issues in the children’s ED

Abstract

<h3>Aims</h3> Primary aims were to assess emergency paediatric physicians’ attitudes towards LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) issues in case this might reflect in their work and reflect the negative experiences reported by LGBTQ due to their identity.¹ A secondary aim was to establish whether the respondents had already undertaken LGBTQ training to help estimate whether currently available educational interventions were effective. <h3>Methods</h3> The 25 question electronic questionnaire was distributed in the department via email and work chats. The first 10 questions related to general attitudes to LGBTQ people, the following 12 analysed LGBTQ specific clinical matters and the last 3 were on training and overall attitudes to LGBTQ inclusive practice. Participants answered on a scale of ‘strongly disagree’, ‘disagree’, ‘not sure’, ‘agree’, and ‘strongly agree’ in response to a statement. Questionnaires assessing clinician attitudes to LGBTQ people were consulted for answering formats potential question stems.^2–4 There was an equal split in questions between gender and sexuality issues to avoid overshadowing of parts of the LGBTQ community and determine if there was a difference between attitudes towards sexual minorities and gender minorities. <h3>Results</h3> n = 16 after responses were collected, a ~50% response rate from the department’s staff of physicians. Respondents universally were aware of common terminology around sexuality (‘gay’, ‘lesbian’ etc.) and used it in conversation. Their attitudes to LGB (lesbian, gay or bisexual) people were universally positive. Attitudes towards gender minorities were also overwhelmingly positive. Further, 94% agreed they knew about using the correct names/pronouns for patients as well as misgendering. 69% said that they were aware of what ‘intersex’ means. Respodents almost universally agreed that they would be comfortable to take a history or perform a physical examination of an LGB or transgender patient. 13% felt that taking a history would be harder for LGB patients when none thought that a physical examination would be more challenging. Contrast this to 19% and 31% respectively for transgender patients. Respondents were less confident with health issues that could specifically affect LGB patients, only 63% agreeing, and transgender/intersex patients, with only 44% agreeing. Only 19% agreed they were aware of the potential interactions of transition therapy. 30% agreed that they had undertaken training for treating the needs of LGBTQ patients specifically. No respondents disagreed with the statement that they would like to learn about more resources for LGBTQ patients. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This demonstrates that clinician attitudes were exemplary. Problems identified were perceived ability and knowledge to properly care for LGBTQ patients, particularly gender minorities, with the potential for training to reinforce physicians’ ability. <h3>References</h3> Stonewall, LGBT in Britain. Development and validation of a scale measuring modern prejudice toward gay men and lesbian women, Morrison, M. A. &amp; Morrison, T. G. LGBTQI Comfort Assessment Tool, Health Care of Southeastern MA, Inc. The Gay Affirmative Practice Scale (GAP): A New Measure for Assessing Cultural Competence with Gay and Lesbian Clients, Crisp, C.