LGBTQIA+ medical student sexual healthcare workshop: peer learning and student leadership

Abstract

Purpose To address the absence of medical education curriculum focused on LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare, this performance improvement project evaluated a medical student-developed and -led workshop focused on inclusive healthcare, including aspects of sexual health and well-being care. Approach The project utilized a peer-to-peer and community engaged approach to ensure inclusiveness and effectiveness in improving learner knowledge, confidence, and motivation to engage in evidence-based, patient-centered care. Over two years, the health professions student LGBTQIA+ interest group, Spectrum, hosted two voluntary workshops to support medical students’ sexual health history-taking skills. The 2022 Spectrum leadership team wrote three LGBTQIA+ standardized patient scenarios set within the students’ training hospitals focused on using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 5Ps, using inclusive language, and recognizing institutional barriers to healthcare. Workshops included a 10-min discussion highlighting best practices, 45 min of small group practice with standardized patient-facilitator dyads, and a 10-min reflection. Project evaluation incorporated quantitative and qualitative feedback from participants and facilitators. Results Quantitative feedback reflected consistently positive ratings, with learners reporting increased comfort, satisfaction, perceived applicability, and confidence. Qualitative feedback highlighted the benefits of including representative patients, practicing inclusive language, and receiving real-time feedback. Peer-led facilitation contributed to a supportive learning environment, emphasizing the importance of curricular co-production and experiential leadership development. Facilitators described feeling empowered to develop cases reflecting genuine lived experiences and not simplified scenarios. Conclusions This study emphasizes the value of increased medical student engagement in sexual healthcare education and advocates for further integration of LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum into the medical curriculum.