Dissertation
Embracing Diversity in Healthcare: An Approach to Supporting Transgender Patients
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Transgender patients face healthcare disparities, often stemming from stigma, discrimination, and inadequate provider education. Anesthesia providers play a unique role in perioperative care, yet gender-inclusive communication training is often absent from their education. This gap can contribute to patient distress and reduced trust in healthcare environments. Purpose: The purpose of the quality improvement project was to provide anesthesia providers with education to improve confidence, comfort, and knowledge in using gender-inclusive language and addressing culturally insensitive communication, particularly misgendering, in the perioperative setting. Methods: Guided by the Plan-Do-Study- Act model, the intervention included an introductory video and a one-hour in-person education session. Educational components included a video of a misgendering scenario, followed by a guided group discussion, role play exercises, practice inquiring about a patient s pronouns, and a debriefing. Post-education session surveys measured confidence, knowledge, comfort and attitudes. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze results. Findings: Twenty-three anesthesia trainees participated. Following the intervention, 91% of participants reported increased confidence in using gender-inclusive language, 96% reported improved understanding of culturally competent communication strategies, and 78% reported increased awareness of how to respond to misgendering. Comfort levels in addressing misgendering improved overall, with no participants reporting neutrality or discomfort on the topic post-education session. Discussion: This project demonstrated that a structured, interactive education session can enhance anesthesia providers competence in delivering gender-affirming care. Findings align with existing literature highlighting the benefits of inclusive education in improving provider preparedness. The project underscored systemic barriers to addressing misgendering, such as fear of repercussions and lack of institutional awareness, suggesting that broader organization change is necessary. Integrating similar training into standard anesthesia clinical education could improve patient experiences and contribute to healthcare equity for transgender individuals.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Embracing Diversity in Healthcare: An Approach to Supporting Transgender Patients
- Creators
- Katie Bishop - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Jodi Bloxham (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Katie Bishop
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841529502771
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