Assessing Whether Medical Students Consistently Ask Patients About Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity as a Function of Year in Training

Assessing Medical Students’ Attitudes and Knowledge Regarding LGBTQ Health Needs Across the United States

“… 35 , 53 A recent study found students stopped asking SOGI questions as they progressed through medical school, citing lack of relevance to patient encounters, attending physicians’ negative influence, and reliance on patients’ records. 24 Although there were not consistent differences between stages of medical school regarding SOGI information in this study, the overall percentage of students who agreed it is important for patient care was lower than desired. This was particularly true for sexual orientation, where only 64% of students agreed it is important to know.…”

“…Lack of knowledge about LGBTQ health can cause graduating medical students to feel unprepared to treat LGBTQ person and can lead to reduced quality of care. 24,[59][60][61][62][63][64] This study also revealed an increase in positive attitudes toward LGBTQ persons in medical students compared to prior analyses with practicing physicians and APPs, but not an increase in knowledge. Together, these studies emphasize the need for continued efforts in incorporating LGBTQ health into medical education, training, and licensing.…”

“…20 Further, literature on LGBTQ teaching is generally sparse, consisting primarily of single institution studies and focusing on LGBTQ as a single entity, as opposed to a heterogenous group with varied demographics, sexual orientations, gender identities, behaviors, and health needs. [21][22][23][24][25][26] Impact on overall learning within the medical school environment for LGBTQ students is largely unknown, as is how the medical school environment promotes or disengages LGBTQ students. A recent study found a correlation between lack of LGBTQ-centered teaching and LGBTQ students' poor perception of their overall learning, highlighting that perceptions of the medical school environment may influence foundational learning and future practice patterns.…”

Filling the Gap: Creating a Student-Run LGBT+ Clinic to Address Health Disparities

“…To assess the inclusion of LGBT+ health in the medical curriculum, we developed a survey for medical students in Indiana. When we found that medical trainees are unsatisfied with their exposure to LGBT+ health topics, 3 we distributed a health needs assessment survey to determine how this lack of training affects those who live and receive care in our community. Inspired by these findings, we are developing a student-run outreach clinic that caters to the LGBT+ population and includes training for medical students on LGBT+ health topics and respectful, affirming care.…”