Sexual and gender minority health‐related content in geriatric fellowships

• Published in: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) Vol. 72; no. 3; pp. 866 - 874
• Main Authors: Burton, Carl Henry, Zuilen, Maria H., Primbas, Angela, Young, Megan E., Swartz, Kristine, Colburn, Jessica, Kumar, Chandrika, Klomhaus, Alexandra, Chippendale, Ryan, Streed, Carl G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.03.2024; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Curricula; curricular coverage; Didacticism; Gender; geriatric medicine fellowship; Geriatrics; Inclusion; LGBTQ older adults; LGBTQ people; Medicine; Older people; Scholarships & fellowships; Surveys; United States > US; LGBTQ older adults; geriatric medicine fellowship; curricular coverage
• ISSN: 0002-8614; 1532-5415; 1532-5415
• DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18563

Introduction Despite a growing number of older lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) adults in the United States, education on care for this vulnerable population has historically been inadequate across all levels of training. This research assessed the extent of LGBTQ education in geriatric medicine fellowship curricula across the United States. Methods We designed a survey to anonymously collect information from geriatric medicine fellowship programs on LGBTQ curricular content. Eligible participants included all 160 fellowship directors on record with the American Geriatrics Society. The survey addressed demographics of the fellowship program, current state of inclusion of LGBTQ content in didactic curricula and in clinical settings, and other available training opportunities. Results Out of those contacted, 80 (50%) completed the survey. Of the programs surveyed, 60 (75%) were housed in internal medicine, 19 (24%) were in family medicine, and one was in their own department. Forty‐seven fellowships (59%) reported some formal didactic session (e.g., lecture or case based), with the majority of these programs (72%) featuring 1–2 h of formal instruction. Forty‐five programs (56%) reported offering no formal clinical experiences. There was less than 50% coverage for all surveyed topics in the required curriculum (range 46% for discrimination to 9% for gender affirming care). Time and lack of expertise were cited as the main barriers to content inclusion. Conclusions Curricular content regarding care for LGBTQ older adults is inadequate in geriatric medicine fellowships. Faculty development of current educators and providing standardized guidelines and curricula are steps toward addressing this deficit. See related editorial by Renee J. Flores in this issue.