Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Cultural Competency Training to Improve the Quality of Care: An Evidence-based Practice Project

Abstract

BackgroundOne evidence-based practice strategy to improve the provision of care for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer population is providing cultural competency training. The aim of this evidence-based practice project was to improve Knowledge and Skills, Openness and Support, and Oppression Awareness for emergency nurses when providing care to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer population in the military health system. MethodsThe single-unit, educational intervention posttest compared with unit personnel historical controls project took place in an emergency department within the military health system. The participants included registered nurses or licensed practical nurses working in the emergency department. The Ally Identity Measure tool was administered to an unmatched convenience sample of emergency nurses in a military health system pre- and postintervention to assess the intervention’s effectiveness. Descriptive statistics and group difference testing (t test) were used. ResultsThe mean Knowledge and Skills subscale score was improved between the pre- and postintervention groups (t(70) = –3.33, P = .001). The mean Openness and Support subscale score was improved between the pre- and postintervention groups (t(70) = –2.06, P = .04). The mean Oppression Awareness subscale demonstrated no significant difference between the pre- and postintervention groups (t(70) = –0.93, P = .36). ConclusionThis project illustrated the feasibility of an educational intervention to promote culturally competent care in the ED environment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer population. The results illustrated that emergency nurses in this military health system were aware of the oppression that this vulnerable population faces.