An interdisciplinary approach to enhancing health knowledge and cultural awareness with LGBT older adults

Abstract

A collaboration between social work and nursing faculty created a curriculum to improve cultural awareness and knowledge of LGBT older population’s health and quality of life. Social work and nursing students completed a pre/post survey following the educational intervention; results from this mixed methods study indicated positive change in attitudes as well as increased knowledge. Quantitative findings included statistically significant (using paired t-test) changes in four perceptual dimensions (need to acquire knowledge, attitudes regarding interaction comfort, experience with encounters, attitudes regarding treatment) and factual knowledge. Qualitative findings revealed four primary themes about how gender identity and sexual orientation influences health: (a) bias of health care providers, (b) access to quality care, (c) specific health care needs, and (d) health risks of LGBT older adults. This project impacted student learning, awareness, and sensitivity in working with LGBT older adults. Older adults continue to be the largest population needing healthcare; thus, professionals must be competent in providing culturally sensitive health care and demonstrate competency in practice as well as interpersonal interactions.