Survey of Clinical Providers and Allied Health Staff at a National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center: Cultural Awareness in the Care of LGBTQ2S  + Patients with Cancer

AbstractTo identify potential gaps in attitudes, knowledge, and practices towards LGBTQ2S  + patients with a cancer diagnosis, a survey of clinical providers (CP) and allied health staff (AHS) was conducted to identify areas of improvement and guide development for future education and training. A previously published, validated survey was adapted at the direction of a LGBTQ2S +  Patient and Family Advisory Council, and modified to include AHS. The survey was disseminated to all faculty and staff, and was adapted to the participants’ self-identified level of patient interaction/care responsibilities. Subsections consisted of questions related to demographics, knowledge, at titudes, and practice behaviors towards participating in the care of LGBTQ2S + patients. Results were quantified using stratified analysis and an attitude summary measure. Of the 311 respondents, 179 self-identified as CPs and 132 as AHS. There was high agreement in comfort treating or assisting LGBTQ2S + patients by CP and AHS respondents, respectively. CPs possessed significantly higher knowledge regarding LGBTQ2S + health when compared to AHS; however, there remained high percentages of “neutral” and “do not know or prefer not to answer” responses regardless of clinical role. There was high agreement regarding the importance of knowing a patient’s gender identity (GI) and pronouns (CP vs. AHS; 76.9% vs. 73.5% and 89.4% vs. 84.1%, respectively), whereas patient’s sexual o...
Source: Journal of Cancer Education - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research