Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an LGBTQ+ inclusive communication skills training for multidisciplinary oncology healthcare providers

TL;DR

This study tested an LGBTQ+ communication training for healthcare providers, showing it is feasible and improves knowledge and confidence in caring for LGBTQ+ cancer patients.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel experiential training program to address communication gaps in oncology care for LGBTQ+ patients and their families.

Findings

The training was feasible to deliver with an 82% participation rate and high evaluation scores.

Participants showed significant improvement in self-efficacy and LGBTQ+ healthcare knowledge after the training.

The training was well accepted, with 80% agreement or strong agreement on 13 of 15 evaluation items.

Abstract

To test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an LGBTQ+ inclusive communication skills training program.

Two modules focused on basic LGBTQ+ sensitivity and communication with LGBTQ+ patients' families were delivered for multidisciplinary oncology healthcare professionals (HCPs) during two training sessions. Feasibility was determined through recruitment rate and adherence. Acceptability was evaluated based on course evaluations. Pre−/post-training assessments included LGBTQ+ healthcare knowledge, beliefs towards LGBTQ+ people, and self-efficacy.

Participants were predominantly female (83%) and included 1 nurse, 2 chaplains, 8 nurse practitioners, and 7 physicians. Of the 22 HCPs who initially expressed interest and registered for the training, a total of 18 (82%) participated. 89% of participants completed post-training evaluations within one week. The training was rated favorably; 80% of participants “agreed” or “strongly agreed” with 13 of 15 course evaluation items. From pre- to post-training, LGBTQ+ health knowledge increased for 6 of 14 items and self-efficacy improved significantly for all 9 items evaluated (total score, d = 1.32); beliefs did not change between assessment points.

An LGBTQ+ communication training for multidisciplinary oncology HCPs was feasible to deliver, acceptable to participants, and led to increases in LGBTQ+ healthcare knowledge and participant self-efficacy from pre- to post-training.

LGBTQ+ inclusive communication training fills a crucial gap in HCP research, education, and practice, providing a novel experiential learning approach to mitigating health inequities for LGBTQ+ patients and their families.

•LGBTQ+ people with cancer and other serious illnesses experience pervasive discriminatory care•Healthcare professionals (HCPs) often lack LGBTQ+ health knowledge and feel ill equipped to communicate respectfully•HCPs should be trained to communicate empathically with both LGBTQ+ patients and their family caregivers•LGBTQ+ inclusive communication training for oncology HCPs can bolster relevant knowledge and self-efficacy•Communication training to improve care for LGBTQ+ people fills crucial HCP knowledge, education, and practice gaps

LGBTQ+ people with cancer and other serious illnesses experience pervasive discriminatory care

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) often lack LGBTQ+ health knowledge and feel ill equipped to communicate respectfully

HCPs should be trained to communicate empathically with both LGBTQ+ patients and their family caregivers

LGBTQ+ inclusive communication training for oncology HCPs can bolster relevant knowledge and self-efficacy

Communication training to improve care for LGBTQ+ people fills crucial HCP knowledge, education, and practice gaps