DEMENTIA CARE PROVIDERS’ PRACTICES, ATTITUDES, AND KNOWLEDGE IN TREATING LGBT COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Introduction Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults face risk factors known to increase cognitive impairment and dementias such as social isolation, discrimination, poor health accessibility, limited social support and caregivers, and higher rates of chronic medical conditions. Although data is sparse, there is some research to suggest that LGBT older adults who are more depressed and/or with functional impairments have high subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Thus it is imperative that dementia care providers understand the unique associations between demographic factors, dementia risk factors, other health and psychosocial factors, and SCD among the LGBT community. Methods The 18-item LGBT Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS) is an interdisciplinary self-assessment for healthcare providers. Past research has revealed a three-factor structure (i.e., 7 clinical preparedness items, 7 attitudinal awareness items, and 4 basic knowledge items) with each subscale averaged on a 7-point Likert scale. Additionally, the LGBT-DOCSS has strong internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity. While the LGBT-DOCSS has not never been used specifically for dementia care providers, its interdisciplinary utility is promising. Results Majority of respondents (N=25) were middle-aged (M=43.84, SD=9.22) and identified as male (52%), heterosexual (88%), and Caucasian (84%). Majority had an Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree (92%) and practiced in a variety of specialties including psychiatry (48%), neurology (24%), and geriatrics (16%) for several years (M=12.24, SD=9.71). Preliminary data suggest that while dementia care providers have moderate clinical preparedness (M=4.79, SD=1.35) and knowledge (M=4.83, SD=1.13), they have very high affirming attitudes (M=6.63, SD=0.85) about the LGBT population (Table 1). In particular, providers endorsed significantly less adequate clinical training (t(24)=-4.80, p Conclusions In this study, dementia care providers endorse only moderate clinical preparedness and knowledge about LGBT healthcare, especially transgender-specific care. Yet they do endorse strong positive attitudes about the LGBT population, which may invite an avenue to translate this appreciation into improvement (e.g., through patient panels and cultural competency training). This study will continue to collect data from many more dementia care providers across the country over the next year in order to evaluate LGBT-DOCSS scores as well as assess how these scales differ across various demographics. This knowledge will not only further the scope of knowledge and appreciation for dementia diversity research but also reveal potential gaps in cultural competency and the need for growth among dementia care professionals. This research was funded by: Not Applicable