Cultural Competence Training Promotes Safe and Inclusive LGBTQ+ Patient Care

June 02, 2023 by Elisa Becze BA, ELS, Editor

Successfully addressing sensitive topics, such as homophobia and LGBTQ+ biases, is best achieved in small, interactive groups, clinical nurse scientists said in a quality improvement project report (https://doi.org/10.1188/22.CJON.183-189) published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing.

Using a Plan, Do, Study, Act design, the nurse scientists, including ONS members Stephanie Russell, BSN, RN, OCN®, and Nancy Corbitt, BSN, RN, OCN®, developed an evidence-based, oncology-tailored cultural competency training program and delivered it to 110 healthcare staff in small groups of 15 or fewer participants. The training involved videos, interactive exercises, and class discussion about assessing bias, increasing health knowledge, creating a safe environment, and adapting to LGBTQ+ health needs. Trainers emphasized:

Participants completed a survey pre- and post-training. After the training, they were significantly more likely to agree with four statements:

“This interprofessional approach is key to developing a more culturally competent healthcare system,” the nurse scientists concluded.

Find more ideas to develop your cultural competency (https://voice.ons.org/topic/cultural-competency) and provide inclusive, compassionate care on ONS Voice.


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