Evidence-Based Education on Care of LGBTQ Patients: Improving Knowledge and Attitudes Among Pediatric Nurses

Abstract

Background: Due to stigma and mistreatment, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) patients and their families often face barriers to accessing and receiving equitable health care. Pediatric settings are not immune to this health inequity, yet there is limited literature to address it with pediatric nurses. Method: An evidence-based education program on the care of LGBTQ patients was delivered electronically to pediatric nurses. Using a pre- and posttest design, knowledge and attitudes regarding care of LGBTQ patients were collected via online questionnaires. Results: Knowledge significantly increased from pre- to posttest ( p = .02). Attitudes related to LGBTQ concepts either remained consistently positive or shifted in the positive direction. Conclusion: Providing education regarding LGBTQ patients to pediatric nurses can improve related knowledge and attitudes. Expansion of evidence-based LGBTQ education to pediatric nurses is likely to contribute to lessening the health care barriers and inequities faced by these patients and their families. [ J Contin Educ Nurs . 202x;5x(x):xx–xx.]