Improving baccalaureate nursing students’ cultural sensitivity with LGBTQIA+ patients using theater students as standardized patients

Abstract

Background

Healthcare disparities related to sexual orientation and gender identity are inconsistently addressed in nursing education, limiting cultural sensitivity and communication skills in LGBTQIA+ patient care.

Methods

A role-play simulation was conducted with BSN students to enhance sexual health histories, utilizing theater students as LGBTQIA+ Standardized Patients (SPs).

Results

Students gave positive feedback on real-time input from SPs, which enabled them to reflect on their communication skills when taking sexual health histories from LGBTQIA+ patients.

Conclusions

The program offered BSN students in health assessment courses opportunities to practice communication skills and develop inclusivity for the diverse needs of LGBTQIA+ patients.