The training needs for gender-sensitive care in a pediatric rehabilitation hospital: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Gender is an important social determinant of health; however, clinicians often lack training in how to provide gender-sensitive care. Offering appropriate and relevant training could help to address some gender-based health inequalities. Our objective was to identify and describe the training needs for gender-sensitive care among pediatric rehabilitation healthcare providers. Methods This study used an interpretive descriptive qualitative design to conduct interviews with 23 pediatric rehabilitation healthcare providers (19 women, 3 men, 1 transgender man), from a pediatric rehabilitation hospital in a large urban center, in Ontario, Canada from a range of disciplines. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using an open-coding inductive thematic analysis. Results Our analysis revealed the following themes: [1] lack of knowledge about gender-sensitive care and the need for more training; [2] content of the desired training (i.e., gender differences, effective communication and how to practice gender-sensitive care) and [3] delivery method of the training. Conclusions Enhanced gender-sensitive training for healthcare providers is required for optimizing patient outcomes and addressing gender-based health inequalities. Educators in pediatric rehabilitation should consider developing gender-sensitive care training that is embedded within post-graduate education and also continuing education within hospitals and community care centers.

Medical student exposure to women’s health concepts and practices: a content analysis of curriculum at Canadian medical schools

“…Gender neutral or inclusive language is now considered desirable to equally value and respect gender diversity. Given variations in knowledge and attitudes about gender-inclusive/-sensitive language [ 52 , 53 ], ongoing research is needed on how to provide training in both medical and continuing education.…”

Physiatry and the needs of LGBTQIA+ patients

“…In recent years, the field of PM&R has begun to explore the needs and experiences of LGBTQIA+ people. [36][37][38] A 2020 qualitative study noted that pediatric rehabilitation health care providers were eager to learn about the lived experiences of transgender and nonbinary patients. 38 The American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation released a position paper in support of the inclusion of transgender children in sports.…”

“…[36][37][38] A 2020 qualitative study noted that pediatric rehabilitation health care providers were eager to learn about the lived experiences of transgender and nonbinary patients. 38 The American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation released a position paper in support of the inclusion of transgender children in sports. 39 Additionally, as discussed previously by Dr. Del Fabro, a LGBTQIA+ in Physiatry Member Community was established by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2021.…”

“…In recent years, the field of PM&R has begun to explore the needs and experiences of LGBTQIA+ people 36‐38 . A 2020 qualitative study noted that pediatric rehabilitation health care providers were eager to learn about the lived experiences of transgender and nonbinary patients 38 .…”

A Web-Based Gender-Sensitive Educational Simulation on Vocational Rehabilitation for Service Providers Working With Youth With Disabilities: Pilot Evaluation

“…Given the importance of gender on influencing health behaviors and health outcomes, it is critical that health care providers are equipped to offer appropriate care that addresses the needs of their patients [ 3 ]. Gender-sensitive care is aligned with patient- and family-centered care approaches as it focuses on interacting with patients in a respectful manner, working in a partnership, and sharing information to make informed choices [ 4 - 6 ]. Gender-sensitive approaches involve understanding the gendered health care patterns (including norms, stereotypes, and inequalities) of men, women, and nonbinary or gender-fluid individuals [ 2 , 7 , 8 ], while also reflecting on the wider cultural and sociopolitical context of health care environments [ 3 , 7 ].…”