Improving Care for LGBTQ+ Families: A Competency Bundle.

Purpose: The purpose of this improvement initiative was to enhance cultural competence among healthcare providers within a Labor and Delivery Unit and Mother-Baby Unit through the implementation of an evidence-based LGBTQ+ competency bundle (CB).

Background: The lack of knowledge and cultural competence among healthcare providers for the LGBTQ+ population remain 1 of the leading causes of discrimination in healthcare and a barrier to achieving optimal health, safety, and well-being for individuals in this community. Conscious and unconscious bias of providers further leads to discrimination, oppression, and potential delivery of substandard care.

Discussion: The evidence-based LGBTQ+ CB consists of (1) cultural competency assessment using the Ally Identity Measure (AIM) survey, (2) provider training, (3) a sexual orientation/gender identity questionnaire within the electronic health record, and (4) resource bundle. The AIM survey was used to assess the knowledge and skills to support LGBTQ+ persons, awareness of LGBTQ+ oppression, and engagement in action among heterosexual allies to the LGBTQ+ community. AIM scores revealed an overall increase in knowledge and preparedness in providing support for the LGBTQ+ patient/family. The providers' "Knowledge and Skill" experienced the most increase in AIM scoring followed by "Openness and Support" and "Oppression Awareness," respectively.

Implications for practice: The implementation of the CB interventions increased health care providers' knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ individuals while reducing perceived bias.