Evaluating the effectiveness of an online curriculum on caring for transgender and nonbinary patients.

Abstract

Background and objectives:  It is well established that provider lack of knowledge in the field of transgender and nonbinary health is as ignificant barrier to care and that training in this area is lacking. This study examined how family medicine residents' self-confidence and medical knowledge in providing gender-affirming care changed after completing a novel, online curriculum on transgender and nonbinary care.

Methods: Thirty-nine family medicine residents were invited to complete the curriculum. Change inself-confidence was determined by the difference in scores on a Likert scale on a pre- and post-survey. Change in medical knowledge was assessed by examining the difference between pre- and post-test scores on a novel multiple-choice examination.

Results: Only 7% of current residents agreed that their current training is adequate in order to provide comprehensive primary care to transgender and nonbinary people. After completion of the curriculum, 100% of participants felt at least somewhat confident providing primary care to transgender and nonbinary people, including hormone therapy. Average medical knowledge post-test scores trended higher than the pre-test results (mean (SD) at pre = 11.2 (1.4) vs post = 14.6 (2.8)).

Conclusions: An online, self-directed curriculum on caring for transgender and nonbinary patients in the primary care setting, including management of gender-affirming hormone therapy, has the potential to increase confidence and knowledge in this field, decreasing barriers to care for this population.