Abstract
•LGBT cultural competency training for oncologists should be primarily interactive.•Training should model effective communication between provider and patient.•Training should focus on encouraging actionable and feasible behavior changes.•Multi-disciplinary and community collaboration is crucial for training development.
Despite substantial LGBT cancer health disparities, there are no LGBT cultural competency trainings tailored for oncologists. Here we describe the systematic development of a web-based, oncology-focused LGBT cultural competency training.
A literature review regarding LGBT cancer outcomes and competency training was conducted to identify potential training content. An expert panel meeting, including LGBT cancer survivors, cultural competency experts, oncologists, a web designer, and an instructional designer, was held to solidify the training content focus. Following the panel, the training was developed in collaboration with an instructional designer, a web designer, and LGBT community members.
The training modules include: 1) LGBT Basics; 2) Inclusive Environments; 3) Initiating Oncology Care with LGBT Patients; and 4) Issues in Cancer Survivorship among LGBT Patients. Module content is interactive, and models effective communication.
The process of collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders and three cancer centers in Florida has resulted in a practical and efficient web-based resource for LGBT cultural competency training for oncologists.
Feedback from stakeholders indicates that training in this area is needed and will be well-received by oncologists. We are currently conducting an evaluation of this training among oncologists and LGBT community members.
