U.S. Pediatric Residents’ Preparedness, Attitudes, and Knowledge in LGBTQ+ Healthcare

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate how comfortable, knowledgeable, and prepared pediatric residents are within LGBTQ+ care.

Method: In June 2022, U.S. pediatric residents completed an anonymous, online survey including the three domain LGBT-DOCSS.

Results: Pediatric residents (N = 78) reported low to moderate annual amounts of LGBT curricular hours (M = 3.32, SD = 3.17) and LGBT patients (M = 13.84, SD = 15.11) as well as low to moderate Clinical Preparedness and Basic Knowledge and high Attitudinal Awareness. They were significantly less likely to report receiving adequate training and supervision, having experience, and feeling competent in transgender care compared to LGB care. In general, pediatric residents who reported more LGBT education and LGBT patients also reported higher LGBT-DOCSS scores.

Discussion: Pediatric providers currently have substantial shortcomings in LGBTQ+ care. Pediatric programs must increase LGBTQ+ education and LGBTQ+ patient exposure.