Abstract
ObjectivesLesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people experience health inequalities and barriers to accessing healthcare at a greater rate than the general population. This paper aims to present the Health4LGBTI training course for healthcare workers and the results of its pilot implementation. MethodsFunded by the European Parliament, the training course was developed by a multidisciplinary team including LGBTI organisations as part of the Health4LGBTI Project. 110 healthcare professionals from diverse medical fields attended the pilot training in six European Member States. Knowledge and attitudes were compared on the basis of a pre-post evaluation design utilising an ad hoc questionnaire. ResultsKnowledge scores increased after the training, irrespective of age and sexual orientation of participants. Attitudes scores generally improved, particularly in terms of inclusivity and a greater acknowledgement of LGBTI health needs and self-competence. ConclusionThe Health4LGBTI training course is both feasible and effective in training healthcare professionals and support staff to improve cultural competence and thereby promoting inclusive healthcare practice. Practice ImplicationsThe Health4LGBTI training course can be implemented in different healthcare contexts. Piloting of the course provided an opportunity for healthcare professionals and for support staff to improve their knowledge of, and attitudes towards, LGBTI people.
Highlights
Evidence demonstrates that lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI)1 people experience health inequalities including discrimination in healthcare settings and barriers to accessing healthcare [1,2,3,4,5]
Results from a series of focus groups in 6 EU Member States as part of the European Health4LGBTI project found that both healthcare professionals and LGBTI patients were concerned by this lack of training [2]
Out of 110 participants attending the training across all piloting sites, 102 health professionals and support staff working in healthcare settings were included in the analysis
Summary
Gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people experience health inequalities including discrimination in healthcare settings and barriers to accessing healthcare [1,2,3,4,5]. The training of healthcare workers to improve cultural competencies regarding the health needs of LGBTI people is a fundamental step to addressing health inequalities in healthcare settings. It is both a key component of learning for students in healthcare sectors and an essential continuing professional development (CPD) opportunity for healthcare workers to provide health services that are truly inclusive and accessible to all [14,15]. Results from a series of focus groups in 6 EU Member States as part of the European Health4LGBTI project found that both healthcare professionals and LGBTI patients were concerned by this lack of training [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
