A national survey of U.S. psychiatry residents’ LGBT cultural competency: The importance of LGBT patient exposure and formal education

Abstract

The prevalence of many mental health disorders is substantially higher in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population compared to the cisgender, heterosexual population. While psychiatry residents are in crucial roles as learners and providers, there is a paucity of data regarding U.S. psychiatry residents’ experiences and education with LGBT healthcare. A 29-item self-reporting, anonymous, cross-sectional survey was distributed to U.S. psychiatry residents across the country between July and October 2019. Survey items included demographics, experiential variables, and the 7-point Likert LGBT-Development of Clinical Skills Scale. Psychiatry residents (N = 304) reported caring for many LGBT patients (M = 23.56, SD = 40.43) and receiving a low number of annual LGBT curricular hours (M = 1.22, SD = 1.59) and a moderate number of LGBT extracurricular hours (M = 10.79, SD = 20.54). They also reported very high affirming attitudinal awareness (M = 6.58, SD = 0.72), moderate knowledge (M = 5.42, SD = 1.28), and low clinical preparedness (M = 4.69, SD = 1.23). Approximations of 40 LGBT patients and 20 LGBT total hours were determined to offer significant preparedness and knowledge. Psychiatry residents embody many strengths, namely their diversity and affirming attitudes, but also have shortcomings such as clinical skills and preparedness. During this current state of national psychiatry training, there is a lack of standardized education and exposure to LGBT care. Future efforts should heavily consider increasing both LGBT patient contact hours and formal education hours.