Integrating Gender-Affirming Care in a Medical Spanish Endocrine System Curriculum.

Abstract

Introduction: With a growing Hispanic population in the United States, medical education is adapting to provide the necessary language skills and cultural competence for effective health care. However, the incorporation of gender-affirming care in the context of medical education for Hispanic populations requires further emphasis.

Methods: This curriculum presented a 3-week medical Spanish endocrine system module designed for first-year medical students. The module aimed to enhance students' ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients about endocrine health while integrating principles of gender-affirming care. It included classroom sessions, standardized patient practice, and clinical practice with peer tutors. Pre- and postmodule surveys and assessments were conducted to evaluate the module's effectiveness.

Results: Out of 76 participants, 72 completed the postmodule evaluation. Survey results indicated significant increases in confidence levels across various aspects of patient interaction in Spanish, with statistically significant gains observed in all assessed areas. Knowledge test outcomes revealed enhanced proficiency in Spanish terminology related to the endocrine system, with scores increasing from an average of 22.3 premodule to 25.7 postmodule (p = .002), as measured by the paired t test. Additionally, students performed well in the diabetic consultation objective structured clinical examination station, with a high mean score of 86%, surpassing the satisfactory threshold.

Discussion: This curriculum highlights the success of a comprehensive educational approach in expanding medical students' language proficiency and ability to provide gender-affirming care to address health care disparities and improve patient outcomes among diverse populations.