Gender and Sexual Diverse Health Education: A Needs Assessment Among Internal Medicine Residents.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess perception of competency and comfort level of internal medicine (IM) residents in caring for gender and sexual diverse (GSD) patients, and to identify residents' preferred educational modalities and perceived facilitators and barriers to GSD curriculum implementation. Methods: A survey was distributed among IM residents during a mandatory didactic session between November 9 and December 18, 2020. Categorical variables were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Open-ended questions were analyzed using content and theme analysis. Results: Of 138 residents, 89 (64%) completed the survey. Residents had varying levels of comfort and perceived competence. Small group (n = 61, 69%) and case-based learning (n = 58, 66%) formats were preferred. Content and theme analysis resulted in four major themes on facilitators and three major themes on barriers to GSD curricular implementation. Conclusion: This study provides unique insight to facilitate implementation of a learner-centered and developmentally appropriate curricular approach to GSD health education.